The painting On the Dock, 1976 by William Winter portrays an intimate and serene moment, encapsulating the warmth of a lazy, sun-soaked day by the water. Three figures are depicted sitting side by side on a wooden dock, their bodies turned towards the golden glow of a setting or rising sun that reflects off the water's surface, casting it in a mellow light.

The figures are rendered in a simplified manner with minimal detail, focusing on the form and posture rather than individual features. The figure to the left sits with their back to the viewer, their dark hair loosely cascading down their shoulders, creating a sense of relaxed ease. The central figure, with blonde hair, is depicted in profile, gazing out towards the horizon, lost in thought or simply enjoying the moment. The third figure, to the right, sits with a subtle forward lean, suggesting a contemplative or expectant demeanor.

The palette is rich with earthy tones, dominated by ochres and browns that are harmonious with the natural setting. Splashes of pink and white add a gentle contrast, drawing the eye to the warmth of skin touched by sunlight. The background is abstracted, hinting at a vast expanse of water that meets a hazy sky, allowing the figures and their immediate environment to be the focal point of the composition.

Winter's brushwork is textured and impressionistic, evoking the tactile quality of the wooden dock and the soft, rippling surface of the water. The painting is imbued with a sense of tranquility and timelessness, inviting the viewer to pause and share in this moment of quietude and companionship.