Look up the term “stylize.” How did Burchfield stylize nature in Moonlight over the Arbor? What parts of the painting are different from what you see in nature? What is the same? Discuss the techniques the artist uses to make the subject recognizable yet stylized.
In this work, Burchfield used several media—watercolor, gouache, and pencil. Experiment with more than one medium in a work of art. How does a watercolor change in appearance if you draw over it in pencil?
Early in life, Charles Burchfield developed a great interest in nature and the writings of Henry David Thoreau. These interests inspired the artist to paint many landscapes, such as Moonlight over the Arbor. Research Thoreau’s views on the importance of nature and individualism. Are these ideas reflected in Burchfield’s painting? Do you think they are still relevant to our lives today? Why or why not?
Describe how you think it would feel to be in this scene. Where is it—a park, a friend’s backyard? What are you doing? What time of year is it?
Burchfield was from Ohio and often depicted the landscape of his home state. Research Ohio and its topography and weather. Based on your research, what season do you think is shown in this picture?
In this painting, Burchfield repeated shapes in a way that shows rhythm visually. Listen to a fast song and a slow song—which speed do you think matches the rhythm of this work? What shapes in the painting seem fast to you? Which seem slow?