Wayne Thiebaud, Gambling Machine, 1955

Created in 1955, this screen print in colors on laid paper is hand signed by Wayne Thiebaud (Mesa, 1920 - Sacramento, 2021) in pencil in the lower right margin. This work is numbered from the edition of 17 in pencil in the bottom left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Wayne Thiebaud, Gambling Machine, 1955 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work:

1. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this purchase.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Gambling Machine, 1955 presented in a complementary moulding and optical grade Plexiglas.

Wayne Thiebaud  Artistic Biography

Wayne Thiebaud, an influential American painter known for his vivid depictions of commonplace objects, has left a lasting mark on the art world. His artistic biography is a testament to his dedication to both traditional painting techniques and innovative subject matter.

Early Life and Education

Wayne Thiebaud was born on November 15, 1920, in Mesa, Arizona, and raised in Long Beach, California. His early interest in art was evident, and he pursued this passion by working in various capacities, including as a sign painter and cartoonist during his teenage years. Thiebaud's formal art education began at Long Beach Polytechnic High School and continued at Frank Wiggins Trade School (now Los Angeles Trade-Technical College). He later attended San José State University and earned a degree from Sacramento State College (now California State University, Sacramento).

Career Beginnings

Thiebaud's career began in commercial art, where he worked as a graphic artist and designer for the Walt Disney Studios and served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, creating murals and training films. After the war, he transitioned into teaching, initially at Sacramento City College and then at the University of California, Davis, where he remained a faculty member for several decades.

Artistic Development

In the 1950s, Thiebaud's work began to attract attention for its distinct style and subject matter. He is best known for his still-life paintings of everyday objects such as cakes, pies, ice cream cones, and hot dogs. These paintings are characterized by their vibrant colors, bold shadows, and meticulous detail, which imbue ordinary objects with a sense of importance and delight.

Thiebaud's technique involves a thick application of paint, often referred to as "impasto," which gives his work a textured, almost sculptural quality. His use of color and light draws comparisons to both the Impressionists and the Pop Art movement, though Thiebaud maintained that his work was not intended to critique consumer culture but rather to celebrate the beauty in mundane objects.

Major Exhibitions and Achievements

Thiebaud's first solo exhibition took place in 1960 at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. His work quickly gained acclaim, and by the mid-1960s, he was associated with the Pop Art movement, although he preferred to be considered a painter of still lifes. Major exhibitions of his work have been held at prestigious institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Gallery of Art.

Throughout his career, Thiebaud received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts in 1994 and membership in the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His influence as a teacher was also profound, mentoring many students who went on to have successful careers in art.

Later Years and Legacy

Wayne Thiebaud continued to paint and exhibit his work well into his later years. He explored various subjects, including landscapes and figure studies, but his signature style remained consistent. Thiebaud's dedication to his craft and his ability to find beauty in the everyday have cemented his place as a beloved and influential figure in American art.

Wayne Thiebaud passed away on December 25, 2021, at the age of 101, leaving behind a rich legacy of art that continues to inspire and delight viewers around the world. His work is celebrated for its unique perspective, technical skill, and joyful representation of American life.

Major Exhibitions

1. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) - 1960
   • Thiebaud's first solo museum exhibition, which helped establish his reputation in the art world.
2. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York - 1972
   • This retrospective exhibition highlighted Thiebaud's influence and achievements, bringing his work to a broader audience.
3. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis - 1985
   • "Wayne Thiebaud: A Paintings Retrospective" showcased his work from the 1960s through the 1980s, emphasizing his development and consistency.
4. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) - 2000
   • "Wayne Thiebaud: A Retrospective" featured a comprehensive overview of his career, celebrating his 80th birthday.
5. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York - 2001
   • This exhibition traveled to various museums, including the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., further solidifying Thiebaud's legacy.
6. de Young Museum, San Francisco - 2010
   • "Wayne Thiebaud: 70 Years of Painting" celebrated seven decades of Thiebaud's work, from his early drawings to his later paintings.
7. Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, California - 2012
   • "Wayne Thiebaud: American Memories" focused on Thiebaud's depictions of everyday Americana, such as food and landscapes.
8. Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs, California - 2013
   • "Wayne Thiebaud: Mountains, 1965-2013" explored his fascination with landscapes, particularly mountains.
9. Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California - 2018
   • "Wayne Thiebaud 100: Paintings, Prints, and Drawings" commemorated Thiebaud's centennial with a comprehensive display of his diverse body of work.
10. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. - 2019
    • "Wayne Thiebaud: Clowns" showcased a series of paintings focusing on clowns, a departure from his typical subject matter but maintaining his signature style.

Group Exhibitions

1. “New Realists” at Sidney Janis Gallery, New York - 1962
   • A seminal exhibition that included Thiebaud among other contemporary artists, contributing to his association with the Pop Art movement.
2. “Pop Art and the American Tradition” at Milwaukee Art Center - 1963
   • This exhibition placed Thiebaud's work within the context of the broader Pop Art movement.
3. “Documenta IV” in Kassel, Germany - 1968
   • An international exhibition that further established Thiebaud's presence on the global art stage.

Recent Exhibitions

1. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, Madrid - 2020
   • "Wayne Thiebaud" was the first major retrospective of Thiebaud's work in Europe, featuring over seventy pieces spanning his career.
2. Morgan Library & Museum, New York - 2021
   • "Wayne Thiebaud, Draftsman" focused on his works on paper, offering insight into his creative process and technical skill.
3. Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, California - 2023
   • "Wayne Thiebaud: Clowns" revisited his series of clown paintings, highlighting his versatility and continued experimentation.