Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

In this design, instead of exclusively using line to define the subject, Burchfield displays his ability to create shapes and forms out of negative space. The white flowers—perhaps pussy willows—are carefully relieved from the background color, while the calligraphic “M” seems to be growing directly from the dark, contrasting stems that root the scene.

Content developed by Tullis Johnson, Brian Grunert and Kyle Morrisey for the exhibition Charles E. Burchfield: By Design

Content edited by Nancy Weekly: "M" probably stands for mistletoe, whose white berries are illustrated.