April 23 –
Last night looking at the “Burning Stumps” I came to the conclusion that the big tree in the foreground would have to be eliminated – This was a hard decision to come by – I solved the problem by making a tracing of it, and also a lesser tree to the right, planning to mount it, and work it up as a drawing when it was removed, the sky took on a much greater power.
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When he came in, he started in at once, “Boy oh boy, what a phony – when the young artist said he was worried …(etc)…, the tall gray-haired artist smiled reassuringly – really now – what a phony!” Had he been impressed by the article I think I might have loved him less – (I am sure that he really is impressed.)
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Hank liked the picture very much – When I pressed him, he admitted the eagle-like cloud bothered him a little – I am afraid others will find it somewhat puzzling – Nevertheless it will have to remain – It is the color of the whole picture.
Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, April 23, 1964