Artist Wayne Thiebaud made a name for himself with serious paintings of whimsy. Bowties and gumballs, cupcakes and lollipops, pie and pinball machines are among the subjects Thiebaud has painted in striking compositions showcasing his mastery of color, line, and form. For Thiebaud, success as an artist came when he turned to painting what he loved without apology, and freeing himself to paint what interested him helped him develop his distinct visual style. Susan Goldman Rubin offers an enticing look at Thiebaud’s career and work in a book that illuminates the talent, vision, and work that goes into creating such artful expressions of the sublime. Rubin’s engaging examination of Thiebaud’s art is accompanied by handsome reproductions of his paintings in this artfully designed volume. (Ages 10–14)