Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

When Burchfield learned that Edward and Grace Root had bought this watercolor, he wrote to them on November 14, 1930:

I had a letter from Mr. Rehn the other day in which he mentioned that you had bought my “Village in the Swamps.” I was pleased to hear it because there is no one else whom I would rather have it than you folks. Of all the things I did last year, I have most affection for that one, and I sent it away with reluctance. It contains the essence of what was a red-letter day for me – a day spent in the woods and ravines near Gowanda (the “village of the swamps”) that was ideal – that is, when I seemed to be perfectly attuned to life and nature. I was loath to leave the place, and did not do so until almost dark. As I was descending the hill leading to the village (where I spent the night in a funny little hotel) I got the idea for the painting; I can’t express in words the feeling I had there – but then you’ve got the picture – you can see!