Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Summer Solstice (In Memory of the American Chestnut Tree), 1961-66; watercolor on paper, 54 x 60 inches; Image from the Burchfield Penney Art Center Archives
Charles Burchfield, Journals, June 22, 1914
Monday, Jun 22, 2020
The longest day of the year. From now will begin the decline.
Thunderstorms rage all night.
Last night we watch lightning. Wonderfully beautiful. Displays itself in snakes, fan-shaped sprays and glowing balls. It seems to spatter all over the clouds.
The rain often wakes me up during the night with the force of its fall.
Today is a partly cloudy day. The sun is oppressive, and the stiff wind is hot and laden with the odor of growing things, which having been rain soaked are now steaming in the sun.
Charles E. Burchfield, June 22, 1914