Wayne Thiebaud

Wayne Thiebaud first gained national renown in the early 1960s for his boldly colorful paintings of pies, cakes, and delicatessen foods that were linked critically with the then emerging Pop Art Movement. Since then he has returned often to this favorite theme but also has expanded his subject matter to include large-scale figures and portraits, Northern California mountain landscapes, views of streetscapes in San Francisco, and beach scenes from Southern California, among other subjects.

Thiebaud’s work is characterized by his depiction of dazzling California light, his intense colors, and his lush, painterly brushwork. Also typical are his bold, graphic outlines of shapes and forms. His translation of visual realism through keen observation and his stylization of forms evolved in part from his early interest in cartooning and illustration. Although influenced by many earlier European artists, Thiebaud produces works with a distinctly American spirit, reflective of a genuine admiration for the uniqueness of everyday life.