Early Life and Education
Charles E. Burchfield was born on April 9, 1893, in Ashtabula, Ohio, United States. He was the son of William Charles Burchfield and Alice Thomas Murphy. From a young age, Burchfield showed a talent for art and a deep connection to nature. He attended the Cleveland School of Art, where he honed his skills and developed his unique style.
Early Career
After completing his education, Burchfield worked as a designer for a wallpaper company in Buffalo, New York. During this time, he continued to paint in his spare time, capturing the landscapes and scenes that inspired him. In 1917, he had his first solo exhibition at the Kevorkian Gallery in New York City, which helped to launch his career as a professional artist.
Style and Influence
Burchfield’s art is known for its vibrant colors, expressive brushwork, and unique interpretations of nature. He often painted landscapes that were imbued with a sense of mystery and spirituality, capturing the essence of a place rather than its physical reality. His work was influenced by American transcendentalism, as well as by the writings of poets such as Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson.
Marriage and Family
In 1929, Burchfield married Bertha Kenreich, with whom he had two children, Martha Elizabeth Burchfield Richter. The couple settled in Buffalo, New York, where Burchfield continued to paint and exhibit his work. Despite the demands of his career, he remained devoted to his family and found inspiration in the everyday moments they shared.
Later Career and Recognition
Throughout his career, Burchfield received numerous awards and honors for his work. In 1955, he was elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters, and in 1966, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson. His paintings were exhibited in major museums throughout the United States and Europe, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading American artists of his time.
Legacy
Charles E. Burchfield passed away on January 10, 1967, in West Seneca, New York. Despite his death, his influence on the art world continued to grow in the years that followed. His work inspired generations of artists to explore new ways of seeing and interpreting the world around them. Today, his paintings are held in prestigious collections around the world and continue to captivate viewers with their beauty and depth.
Exhibitions
Burchfield’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions over the years. Some notable shows include “Charles E. Burchfield: The Sacred Woods” at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2010 and “Heat Waves in a Swamp: The Paintings of Charles Burchfield” at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles in 2011. These exhibitions have helped to introduce new audiences to Burchfield’s art and celebrate his lasting impact on American painting.
Critical Reception
Burchfield’s art has been praised for its emotional depth, technical skill, and innovative approach to composition. Critics have noted the way he captured the fleeting moments of nature and imbued them with a sense of wonder and mystery. His use of color and light has also been widely admired, with many noting the way he created vibrant and dynamic landscapes that seem to pulse with life.
Influence on Contemporary Artists
Burchfield’s influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists who draw inspiration from nature and seek to capture its essence in their art. His use of color, texture, and composition continues to inspire painters working today, who look to him as a pioneer in exploring new ways of seeing and experiencing the natural world.
Publications
Several books have been published on Charles E. Burchfield’s life and art over the years. Some notable titles include “Burchfield: The Early Years” by John I.H. Bauer, “The Paintings of Charles Burchfield” by Jochen Wierich, and “Charles E. Burchfield: The Sacred Woods” by Nancy Weekly. These publications offer insights into Burchfield’s creative process, influences, and legacy as an artist.
Artistic Process
Burchfield’s artistic process was deeply personal and intuitive. He often painted outdoors, immersing himself in nature to capture its essence directly on canvas. He would then bring these sketches back to his studio where he would work on them further, adding layers of color and texture to create a sense of depth and movement within the painting.
Quotes
“I have always been absorbed by nature… I find it mysterious… I feel myself part of it.” – Charles E. Burchfield
“The emotion or spirit that I feel is always based on some aspect or mood or feeling or experience or observation from nature.” – Charles E. Burchfield
