Two Candy Sticks 2004

Wayne Thiebaud made this painting of two candy sticks, and what grabs me is the thick, creamy paint he uses to build up these simple shapes. It’s like he’s sculpting with color, making you almost want to reach out and taste it. Look at the plate, how the yellow and blue lines around it aren’t just outlines but become these vibrant edges. Thiebaud isn’t trying to fool us with realism; instead, he’s highlighting the art of seeing. He exaggerates the colors, especially in the shadows, which are this cool, almost electric blue. That shadow isn’t just a shadow; it's a bold statement, a visual echo of the object itself. There's something about Thiebaud’s approach that reminds me of Giorgio Morandi, who was also interested in everyday objects. Both artists remind us to look closely at the world, where the mundane can be surprisingly beautiful. Art becomes a way of savoring life, one brushstroke at a time.