An April Mood 1955

Charles Burchfield created this watercolor painting, ‘An April Mood,’ sometime in the mid-20th century. Burchfield was deeply interested in the ways that natural landscapes could evoke psychological states. Here, we see dark, looming clouds and gnarled trees reaching up like skeletal fingers. Burchfield was part of a broader American artistic movement that turned away from European traditions and focused on distinctly American subjects and styles. In the 1930s, there was a widespread interest in Regionalism, where artists focused on depicting local scenes and everyday life. However, Burchfield’s work stands apart. He found something darker and more surreal in the American landscape, aligning with the tradition of American Gothic. Art historians can research the social and cultural context of Burchfield's life. Looking into the cultural movements of his time helps us to fully appreciate his unique vision. By looking at the context, the artwork’s meaning becomes richer and more nuanced.