Wayne Thiebaud

Wayne Thiebaud's famous candy-colored still lifes of pies, cakes, gumball machines, and lipsticks reflect the promise and abundance of the American way of life, with his painting technique exploring the boundaries of the real and imagined world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Hatje Cantz

Wayne Thiebaud's renowned, vividly candy-colored still lifes of pies, cakes, gumball machines, and lipsticks capture the essence of the American way of life—a society characterized by abundance and prosperity, where supply far exceeds demand. Through his meticulous use of pasty layers of paint, Thiebaud brings the objects to life, creating a sense of atmosphere where irony and melancholy are carefully balanced. His exceptional painting technique pushes the boundaries between the real and imagined world, exploring the depths of painterly expression.

This comprehensive catalog showcases the entirety of the legendary American artist's oeuvre, encompassing still lifes, portraits, as well as his deserted, multi-perspective cityscapes and river landscapes. Rendered in luminous pastels, these works exude a peculiar summertime sadness, capturing the essence of Thiebaud's artistic vision.

Thiebaud's still lifes, in particular, stand out as masterpieces of composition and color. His meticulous attention to detail and his ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing through his use of bright hues and playful compositions create a visual feast that is both captivating and thought-provoking. From the luscious slices of pie to the intricate patterns on cakes, each object is rendered with a level of precision that is truly remarkable.

In addition to his still lifes, Thiebaud's portraits are equally impressive. His subjects, often ordinary people from his local community, are captured with a sense of empathy and intimacy that is rare in contemporary art. Thiebaud's ability to capture the essence of his subjects' personalities and emotions through his use of light and shadow is truly remarkable, and his portraits often evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time.

Thiebaud's cityscapes and river landscapes are also noteworthy. His depictions of urban environments and natural landscapes are rendered with a sense of realism and detail that is impressive. His use of perspective and his ability to create a sense of depth and space through his use of color and texture are truly remarkable, and his landscapes often evoke a sense of tranquility and beauty.

Overall, Wayne Thiebaud's art is a testament to his exceptional talent and his ability to capture the essence of the American way of life. His vibrant and playful works evoke a sense of joy and wonder, while his more introspective pieces offer a deeper understanding of the human experience. Thiebaud's art continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and his legacy as a master of painterly expression will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Weight: 998g
Dimension: 272 x 380 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783775754026