BEAUTY: Painting--Fairfield Porter

Fairfield Porter (1907--1975) was an American painter who led a very interesting, unorthodox life. Openly bisexual, with lovers both male and female living with him and his wife and children, he was also a highly respected art critic, Communist, and friend to famous writers and poets (John Ashbery and Frank O'Hara among them). His work has such a particular American look--it reminds me so much of Edward Hopper and Wyeth. Some of his works look like paper cut-outs; the shapes are so solid and blocky, like late Matisse cut-outs. His two versions of July are a fascinating study in lighting...


Top to bottom: Armchair On Porch; Girl Reading Outdoors; July (version); July (version); Self Portrait

Below: Fairfield Porter