Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Tree Ghosts, 1919; watercolor and pencil on paper, 16 1/4 x 14 3/4 inches; Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
Charles Burchfield, Journals, February 18, 1950
Tuesday, Feb 18, 2020
What a difference snow makes in a landscape. Our snow-less winter was monotonous, and without any seasonal character. Now, with the recent snowstorm everything is changed. The meanest most nondescript house has new interest and character – But most beautiful are the trees. In today’s half sunlight, they are transformed – a soft silvery lavender light is reflected up from the snow, on their trunks, creating in the bark crevices deep shadows of smoky violet-black.
Charles E. Burchfield, February 18, 1950