Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, Vol. 44, Dec. 6, 1941, pp. 21

Dec. 6 — (Sat.)

A strong wind from the west - driving great massive clouds before it. Up at north end of lot — The sun breaking thru at times, sending down shafts of light - (reminding me of the time long ago, when in the same month, I observed this phenomenon from the window of the art school, and compared it to a great rim-less wheel, revolving hugely thru the great black storm sky) - One can imagine Ezekiel, eyeing this same effect, over-awed by its power and majesty -

Hastily gathering my materials I started to paint - using as my foil, or foreground, a view of Coltrells and Smedja’s houses, and all their backyard buildings.

Painted all day with vigor and forcefulness - at times snow fell, and towards the last, my sponge & water froze. What unalloyed happiness there is in working under such conditions! - “Battling the elements,” - the painting takes on a character it could not have under milder conditions.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, Vol. 44, Dec. 6, 1941, pp. 21