A figurative realist in the heyday of abstract expressionism, Fairfield Porter (1907-1975) painted himself, his family, and friends in New York City, in Southampton, Long Island, and on an island off the Maine coast, all depicting a relaxed and comfortable world that seemed to mirror his own affluent, well-connected existence. Porter painted several artist friends, including Elaine de Kooning, Larry Rivers, and Jane Freilicher. With a carefully curated selection of the artist's best works, John Wilmerding gives full consideration to Porter's expressive compositions and a color palette influenced by his coastal surroundings. Karen Wilkin discusses Porter's influences and pictorial creativity. Distinguished poet J. D. McClatchy writes a reflection on one of Porter's paintings. With virtually all of the artist's previous publications now out of print, this much- anticipated volume is an important addition to the literature on this great American master.

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