Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Spring Thunderstorm aka Spring Shower, 1955; Watercolor and charcoal on joined paper, 29 7/8 in. x 40 1/8 inches; Akron Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Mary S. Huhn, Mrs. Dorothy S. Steinberg, and Mr. John F. Seiberling, Jr. in memory of their father, Mr. J. Frederick Seiberling 1964.11
Charles Burchfield, Journals, May 23, 1921
Friday, May 23, 2014
The evening is oppressively warm; this years spring has developed too rapidly; a pall is over the sky; to the south a thunderstorm hangs motionless, spreading over the heavens in a huge gray expanse; four fellows in blue suits and straw hats come next door, and sit on the porch steps. Two young girls come mincing down the street, and stop to talk, although the men are cool. This play continues off and on. I go upstairs; the room is hot and stuffy, outside the cool black shade under the bushes and trees looks enticing; I hear voices under my window. It is the two girls again they are spying on the four fellows. Suddenly one says “There they go down the street; lets run down the alley and down High Street and meet them as they come down Vine Street.” And off they sped into darkness, giggling and laughing.
Charles Burchfield, May 23, 1921