Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Still-Life in Winter, 1951; watercolor and pencil on paper mounted on paperboard, 29 7/8 x 40 inches; Smithsonian American Art Museum Bequest of Henry Ward Ranger through the National Academy of Design 1978.56
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, January 31, 1954
Friday, Jan 31, 2014
A Dream—
At the edge of a cliff overlooking a beach and the ocean. As if they had materialized out of nothing three huge birds appeared hovering near the edge of, and almost even with a wing-span of at least six feet. Presently they turned (and as they did so I saw they were grand owls) and darted swiftly down. Feeding along the edge of the water was a flock of large swan-like birds (but with short necks and hooked beaks) pale pink and ivory in color. I thought “how can the owls lift such huge birds and carry them away” and watched with interest to see. The feeding birds were not taken by surprise, but turned to meet the attack, which was savage and relentless. I was not destined to see the outcome for now a group of excursionists, mostly children, came along in row-boat and with stones and oars drove the owls away—
The beauty of the enormous owls, hovering almost motionless in the air, remains with me.
Charles Burchfield, January 31, 1954