Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), The Fragrance of Spring (Bee Hepaticas), c. 1962; watercolor, charcoal, and chalk on Bee watercolor paper mounted on board, 38 x 29 inches; The Spiro Family Collection, courtesy of Debra Force Fine Art, New York
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, March 20, 1946
Tuesday, Mar 20, 2018
B & I to Hepatica Hill (10 miles below Springville). A fine clear day after a frost. The country looks enchanting. Park in the usual spot, and we eagerly go up the hill. Hepaticas in their first fresh glory (some even just in small buds). Oh the incredible wonder of hepaticas in spring. I never seem to be able to take it in no matter how long I look. Such ecstasy can hardly be borne. Red maple blossoms.
We dug a few plants, and also took some of the red cup fungus for our garden, then we ate lunch sitting on blankets on the hillside. A “golden hour” - the chickadee whom I enticed by imitating his “mi-re” song. He came close, and answered me. Dissatisfied he went on up the hill continually calling. It had a sad plaintive tone to it, and I felt guilty at fooling him.
Dig a few more plants, and get baskets of black earth, and also a bag of half rotted leaves. Then home. Birch catkins swaying in breeze.
Spend the rest of the afternoon putting in plants.
Charles E. Burchfield, March 20, 1946