The artwork “Reservoir” was crafted by artist Wayne Thiebaud in 1999. As an oil painting, it measures 182 by 152 centimeters and can be categorized within the landscape genre. The piece resonates with expressionist elements and is housed in a private collection.
The artwork presents a panoramic view of a landscape dominated by a large, curved reservoir. The use of luminous colors and bold outlines exemplifies Thiebaud’s signature style, intertwining both realism and abstraction. This piece is particularly striking in its juxtaposition of the organic curves of the water and the land against the sharp geometric patterns of the cultivated fields. Shadow and light are manipulated to create an almost tactile depth, while the reservoir itself appears as a serene, glassy expanse, reflecting the subtle gradations of color from the sky above.
The horizon is minimally detailed, encouraging the viewer’s eye to focus on the interplay between color, shape, and form within the composition. The human presence is subtly suggested through the cultivation of the fields and the paths winding through the landscape, while the natural aspect is represented by solitary trees, reinforcing the theme of man’s interaction with the environment. The artwork exudes a calm yet vivid quality, characteristic of Thiebaud’s ability to transform the everyday into the extraordinary.
