“Late Afternoon Snow,” a landscape artwork created by Fairfield Porter in 1972, is part of the Contemporary Realism art movement. The painting depicts a serene winter scene bathed in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun.
In the artwork, a dominant tree stands at the center, its branches bare and covered with a delicate layer of snow. The stark contrast between the dark tree trunk and the light tones of the snow creates a compelling visual dynamic. The muted color palette of pale yellows and soft greys imbues the scene with a sense of calm and tranquility. A winding path, partially obscured by snow, leads the viewer’s eye deeper into the composition, suggesting depth and inviting contemplation of the quiet beauty of the natural world. The overall scene captures the essence of a peaceful winter afternoon, successfully evoking a sense of stillness and introspection.