Fairfield Porter  (American, 1907-1975) 

Fairfield Porter (American, 1907–1975) is recognized as one of America’s most influential 20th century painters. Though better known for his art, Porter was also an accomplished art critic. By creating representational and Realist works during the dominance of Abstract Expressionism, Porter is credited for keeping Realism alive. In 1924, he attended Harvard University, where he focused on philosophy. After college, Porter studied under the painter Thomas Hart Benton (American, 1889–1975) at the Art Students League of New York. The city harbored his interest in radical politics, and Porter's work grew more socially relevant. In 1949, he moved with his wife, Anne Channing, to a seaside town in Long Island, which was the inspiration for many of his landscape paintings. By 1951, he had become the associate editor of Art News and had his first New York exhibition at the Tibor de Nagy Gallery. Porter's close friend Willem de Kooning (American/Dutch, 1904–1997) had recommended Porter's distinctive work to the gallery, who agreed to exhibit it upon de Koonings word. Shortly after, the gallery began representing Porter, providing him with annual exhibitions and shows at the Whitney Museum of American Art. His nature-influenced works continue to be celebrated for highlighting the extraordinary in common, daily life.