Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), July, (1935)-43; watercolor on joined paper, 31 11/16 x 49 15/16 inches; Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso University, Gift of the artist, 1954/54.1
Charles Burchfield, Journals, July 7, 1942
Sunday, Jul 7, 2013
A cold night – Fresh mostly clear day – strong wind. B & I to Bailey market to get cherries. Take Cathie to Bengert’s farm after her lesson (Joe takes Victrola to repair) –
P.M. To original scene of “Wheatfield” for studies. I am amazed to discover how much I had changed this scene in my interpretation of 1935.
The wind is cold and slightly unpleasant – it is not the kind of day for my picture –
Red raspberries on way home.
Stop by for Cathie & Art who are ready to come.
(More hills for Spotty for we have decided to keep her as long as she can be fairly comfortable) [unintelligible word] that she could die in her sleep some night.
My picture grows in power, and detachment from reality. I want to make it the epitome of July, tho I suspect it will be at the end the incident of a special day in a field of ripe wheat.
Charles E. Burchfield, July 7, 1942