Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

a light horizon. To the east a level plain was spotted with small squatters’ huts or cabins – I thought we were in the middle of Pennsylvania –
Apr. 14–15–16 –
Continuous cold and snow – the thermometer hovering between 20 & 28 –
Mounting and finishing more of the 1917 sketches, enjoying the work because of the cold and snow.
One sketch, in particular, gave me great pleasure and excitement – this was one of Pine hollow, at early morning the ravine filled with brilliant white sunlight. By adding some to each side of the sketch, and introducing the “Black Hollow” motive in the upper right, I continued to give the whole scheme a more complete meaning. It has in it all the thrill of a Saturday morning ramble in a ravine in spring, with the mystery of an unknown (and therefore ominous) territory beyond. I can hear the song of a songsparrow, but more the call of the “Peter” bird.
Apr. 17 (Saturday)
All morning and part of the afternoon on the 1917 sketches. At late afternoon, tired out with my weeks work, I persuaded B & A – to go with me to the movies – (Catherine & M.A. had gone earlier on an errand and Martha went with us to join them – Sally after a trip to the Cazenovia Library, preferred staying home) – to Great Lakes to see “Hangmen also