July 11, 1915
graphite on paper
11 x 17 inches
Charles E. Burchfield Foundation Archives, Gift of the Charles E. Burchfield Foundation, 2006
This sketch begins with a falling gentle rain - hash marks are vertical – against a backdrop of foliated trees. The rain ends, but layers of low clouds are present over the trees. The cloud bottoms appear pointed, almost aggressive looking. These clouds suggest a turbulent atmosphere. The final scene shows trees blown by the wind - “Just as sun comes out the wind commences to blow violently” - and a sudden appearance of the sun and its aurora of light. Interestingly, the word ‘violent’ is also used to convey the sudden appearance of the sunburst.