Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

98. from that when a storm is coming.

     Tho it was getting dark, I felt I could still do a little more on my sketching so I returned, and started in again. I worked under great difficulties, - the afterstorm wind periodically scattered water from overhanging branches onto my paper; mesquitos pestered me unmercifully, and the fading light forced me to guess at what I was doing - But all these difficulties forced me to simplify and execute swiftly, in a manner which I would never have done had the conditions been more agreeable, or I had had more time. When I literally could not see my brush-strokes any more, I stopped.

     I drove home in contentment - Even if I had achieved nothing worthwhile, I had tried hard, and my conscience was at rest. [i]

                   Aug 23 (Sunday) -

     I achieved just enough in my sketch yesterday to tease my mind, and make me want to go down again and make some check-up studies.

     I had planned to take Bertha, and Arthur if he wished to go (B had told me that last night he had asked her if she thought I would let him go along sometime when I was out painting) But Mary Alice bring at work, Sally + Catherine planning to visit Martha who was working at Onetto's Lunch Room at Transit and Clinton, - someone had to stay with the dog, so Bertha insisted that I take Arthur only.

     While I made studies, Art explored the woods to the west; then afterwards we both explored the woods to the east. - The tree struck by lightening; the bog-like pasture; everlasting; the cardinal flowers -