Theibaud Wayne

Morton Wayne Thiebaud, born on November 15, 1920, in Mesa, Arizona, grew up mainly in Southern California. His early artistic inclinations led him to apprentice at Walt Disney Studios during high school, where he worked on classic characters like Goofy and Pinocchio. Thiebaud further honed his artistic skills at the Frank Wiggins Trade School in Los Angeles. He later pursued formal education in art, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Sacramento State College (now California State University, Sacramento).

Thiebaud’s career began as a cartoonist and designer in California and New York City, jobs that contributed to his unique style. His military service during World War II as an artist in the First Motion Picture Unit of the United States Army Air Forces further influenced his artistic direction. By 1960, Thiebaud had transitioned into academia, becoming an assistant professor at the University of California, Davis, where he taught until 1991 and held a Professor Emeritus title until his death.

Wayne Thiebaud is renowned for his depictions of everyday objects such as pies, pastries, and ice cream cones, characterized by vibrant colors and exaggerated forms. Frequently associated with the Pop Art movement, Thiebaud’s works predate many of the classic Pop artists, suggesting his influence on the genre. Despite being often grouped with Pop Art painters, Thiebaud considered himself “just an old-fashioned painter” and distanced himself from the “flat” and “mechanical” style of artists like Andy Warhol.

Thiebaud’s first solo exhibition took place in San Francisco in 1960, but it was his inclusion in the groundbreaking 1962 “New Painting of Common Objects” exhibition at the Pasadena Art Museum that cemented his reputation. This show, along with his continued work in landscapes and cityscapes, demonstrated his versatility and commitment to exploring American life and culture.

Wayne Thiebaud was married twice and had three children, including Twinka Thiebaud, a model and writer. His son, Paul Thiebaud, followed in his footsteps, becoming a successful art dealer. Thiebaud passed away on December 25, 2021, at the age of 101 in Sacramento, California.

Thiebaud leaves behind a legacy of paintings that capture the beauty in the mundane, influenced by his own experiences in diners and his keen observations of American life. His work continues to be celebrated for its joyful exploration of color, form, and everyday subjects.