"Too much to do with the spectacular. Too little to do with intimacy."

The wisdom and brilliance of Wayne Thiebaud

When talking about art, there is no subject that excites me more than that of Wayne Thiebaud. There is no one who has influenced me more as an artist. If I had to choose one experience, a museum or gallery show, a book, a painting or sculpture, installation, or happening, and forget all others, this six part, one hour video would be it. I’ve probably watched it fifty times and will watch it again today.

Wayne was born in 1920 and passed away a few years ago, at 101. For me, he’s the greatest artist to walk the earth. I know, bold statement, but I said “for me”. That’s part of the fun of it. Nonetheless, he’s special beyond compare. He’s perhaps the best colorist of all time. His brushstrokes will send you into a trance. His pastels rival Degas. Pencil drawings, watercolors, etching, etc.. He was as good as anyone at anything he did. His work is accessible, but no one should be fooled by this. There is seemingly infinite depth. I’ve looked at his work for thirty years and haven’t found the bottom of the well yet.

The reason Wayne’s work has so much intelligence, humor, sweetness, humility, and presence is obvious. It’s all the manifestation of Wayne himself, and this is what really takes things to another level. There’s a narrative floating around about artists being difficult, sometimes abusive, gloomy, grouchy. Thankfully, this isn’t the reality. As an artist, I’ve always needed other artist’s work to look up to. However, I’ve also needed artists to serve as role models. A young artist needs to know how they might navigate the path that lies ahead. I’m not sure if I’ve benefited more from Wayne’s work or his life. Certainly, no one has influenced my aesthetic more. But he set the tone for the entirety of the creative life as well. Friendly, gentle, funny, intelligent, driven. It was important to Wayne to think things through, move slow, give things time to develop. No shortcuts. In our world, that’s rare.

I got to meet Wayne once and he couldn’t have been sweeter with me and my friends. It was an honor to meet him, but he was just another person in the room and never wanted to be otherwise. I have friends who knew Wayne for decades and their insights reveal the same wonderful soul.

Wayne’s musings were the most profound I’ve witnessed, in any realm. Philosophical and joyful, he could be talking about a trip to the supermarket, and I’d be a better man for listening. Wayne tosses out perhaps my favorite line from anybody on any subject and I think of it constantly. “Too much to do with the spectacular. Too little to do with intimacy.” This line can be applied to nearly any situation in life and elevate it. I’m always inspired by it.

I would not be an artist if it wasn’t for Wayne, his work, his intelligence, and his example. What a tremendous gift he was to this world.