Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), The Market at Christmastime, 1929-41; watercolor on joined paper, 25 1/2 x 42 1/2 inches; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Purchase
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, January, 17, 1942
Tuesday, Jan 17, 2017
The second of clear crisp sunshiny days – the sunlight brilliant, the sky a fathomless blue, and the air full of a tang that suggests sap-running.
This week I have gotten out the 1931 “Winter” (Elm + Sycamore, Buffalo) – made new studies, and remounted it from 27 x 40 to 32 x 51. As I conceive it now it should make a beautiful picture-
Two days to Buffalo by bus - I think it was Tuesday & Wednesday) - Making studies around the Elm - Sycamore neighborhood, and on the first day, to the "Black Iron" bridge to make some studies of it. I was half afraid to make sketches of a railroad bridge, but no one paid me any attention.
Martha writes that she is all at sea about her career - she thinks now she should be studying art - I had always thought so.
In the Art Digest, I see that the Whitney Museum has bought my "Market at Christmas" - This is the third & last of my reconstructed street-scenes.
At noon today Arthur & I had a snow-ball throwing session - great fun.
Charles E. Burchfield, January 17, 1942