Artwork Page for Sun Rays and Windy Tree

Details / Information for Sun Rays and Windy Tree

Sun Rays and Windy Tree

1916

Charles Burchfield

(American, 1893–1967)
Culture
America
Medium
watercolor and graphite on paper
Measurements
Sheet: 25.4 x 35.6 cm (10 x 14 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of the Thomas H. Horner and Virginia Jackson Horner Trust 2024.51
Catalogue raisonné
Trovato 90
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Charles Burchfield kept journals in which he explained his artworks and the deeply personal symbolism within them.

Description

Landscape appealed to Charles Burchfield even at the very beginning of his studies. While working in the Cleveland School of Art’s life drawing studio—a space dedicated to studying the figure from a model—the artist instead focused his attention on the view outside the classroom’s window. In this drawing, a poplar tree appears as a dramatic black column as heavy winds transform its branches. Suggesting the duality of nature, rays of colored light descend from the dark storm clouds above.
A horizontally oriented watercolor and graphite drawing depicts a turbulent landscape beneath heavy, dark gray clouds. Diagonal bands of pale yellow light pierce the sky. On the left, windblown foliage rendered in deep green and blue curves across the composition. A tall, jagged column of dark gray and blue wash stands right of center. In the lower right, a small plant sits on a reddish-brown block near a signature and date 1916.

Sun Rays and Windy Tree

1916

Charles Burchfield

(American, 1893–1967)
America

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork