Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

– SONG OF THE REDBIRD –

This painting was built around a 1917 water-color (titled “Spring Light”). I recalled that at that time, while I was painting I was beguiled the whole afternoon by the song of a red-bird (cardinal) — About 1945 I decided to add greatly to the picture, adding elements that would give a true portrait of the beech woods where it was started, and to include the red-birds (from 22 x 18 to 36 x 50). The only change made in the original portion was the elimination of a few trees and branches in the distance.

            Spring light coming into a beech woods still seems to be the main theme of this picture, in spite of the dramatic color of the birds.

Charles E. Burchfield in Charles Burchfield: Recent Painting, Upton Hall Gallery, State University College at Buffalo, New York, April 24 – May 19, 1963