Made in California

http://www.bonhams.com/usa/auction/18559/

Simulcast between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the sale features art by prominent Bay Area Figurative Artists and the best of L.A.'s Cool School. Though regional in theme, the sale offers work by artists such as Wayne Thiebaud, Richard Diebenkorn, Edward Kienholz, Paul Wonner, Jay DeFeo, Mary Corse, Gregory Kondos, Larry Bell, and others. With estimates starting at $1,000, the sale has broad appeal. The upcoming sale features an especially important selection of Bay Area art, including Milkshake & Sandwiches by legendary artist Wayne Thiebaud. Best known for his paintings of pies and cakes, Thiebaud was one of the earliest artists to depict everyday objects in a Pop Art style. In keeping with the artist's signature style, Thiebaud painted Milkshake & Sandwiches with expressive brushstrokes as thick as frosting. The enticing painting will be offered with a delicious $600,000-800,000 estimate. The May sale also includes a figurative untitled work from 1957 by Richard Diebenkorn (est. $60,000-80,000). The sale also includes important works that are rarely seen at auction, including a large abstract oil by Jay DeFeo (est. $80,000-120,000) and a Ferus-era Edward Kienholz assemblage that was exhibited at the Menill Collection in Houston (est. $15,000-20,000); and an early abstract work by Bruce Conner, consigned by a friend who knew the artist when he was still working at street fairs (est. $8,000-12,000). Other sale highlights include Japanese Ceramics & Hawaiian Flowers by Paul Wonner (est. $20,000-30,000); Grey Light Grid Series, 1987, by Mary Corse (est. $15,000-20,000); and River Trees, 1999, by Gregory Kondos (est. $15,000-20,000).