A Sweet Surprise: Thiebaud, Influence & Inspiration

Our cake picnic took an unexpected (and delightful) turn when Suman kicked things off with an

impromptu mini-talk on Wayne Thiebaud’s artistic journey. She shared fascinating insights into

his early training in draughtsmanship and his pivotal trip to New York, where he met the

Abstract Expressionists. It was none other than Willem de Kooning who encouraged Thiebaud to

paint what he truly loved—an encouragement that eventually blossomed into his now-iconic

series of cakes, pies, and everyday delights.

One of the most striking takeaways was Thiebaud’s realization that even the avant-garde

Abstract Expressionists drew heavily from the classical masters. This recognition shaped his own

path, leading him back to university and into a career as an art professor. (As Barb noted, her ex–

sister-in-law was fortunate enough to study with him at UC Davis!)

The Art Comes from Art exhibit beautifully highlighted Thiebaud’s lifelong practice of

learning from others—a habit he unapologetically referred to as “stealing.” From Morandi’s

quiet still lifes to Diebenkorn’s abstractions and de Kooning’s bold brushwork, Thiebaud

absorbed the influence of hundreds of artists (he once estimated 300–400!) yet transformed them

into a style uniquely his own. The exhibit reminded us that art never emerges in a vacuum—it’s

layered, borrowed, reimagined, and all the richer for it.

Connections to other artists surfaced in our conversations as well: Barb pointed out echoes of

David Hockney, while Suman drew attention to the work of Roland Petersen—still creating in

his 90s and currently showing at The Studio Shop Gallery in Burlingame. A visit there may well

be in our future.

And of course, one of the highlights of the day was seeing Barb’s granddaughter’s incredible

sketch—an emerging talent in her own right!

In the end, we created our own layered “cake” of inspiration—not with paint, but with words,

shared ideas, and a deeper appreciation for Thiebaud’s lasting influence.

Thank you Suman for submitting text for this post.

Combined Activity: “Layer Cake of Influence + Dessert Remix” (20 minutes)

Flexible art and writing-based activities for 7 docents, inspired by Wayne Thiebaud's "Art Comes From

Art" exhibit. These are designed for a casual home setting and accommodate both those who love

creating art and those who prefer reflective or verbal creativity.

Combined Activity: “Layer Cake of Influence + Dessert Remix” (20 minutes)

Part 1: "Layer Cake of Influence" Poem (7–8 mins)

• Each docent writes one line in response to: "Art comes from..."

• Use strips of paper to write a poetic line (serious, whimsical, abstract, personal).

• Assemble all 7 strips vertically like a layer cake.

• Read the poem aloud.

Supplies: Colored strips of paper, pens/markers, tape or glue stick, backing sheet.

Part 2: "Dessert Remix Drawing" (10–12 mins)

• Choose a Thiebaud dessert artwork (e.g., cake, gumball machine).

• Reimagine the dessert in the style of another artist (Morandi, Diebenkorn, de Kooning, etc.).

• Draw it in your own playful way.

• Optional: Share the final piece.

Supplies: Thiebaud image printouts, paper (5x7), pencils, markers, colored pencils.

Alternative Activities for Non-Drawers

Part 3 “If I Were Thiebaud” – Imaginary Art Labels (15–20 mins)

• Choose a Thiebaud artwork.

• Write a fictional museum label: title, invented date/medium, and 3–4 lines of description.

Supplies: Artwork printouts, pens, index cards or small paper.

2. “Palette Poem” (10–15 mins)

• Choose 3–5 colors from a Thiebaud image.

• Write a short poem describing the mood, story, or personality of each color.

Supplies: Art images