Jeff Thiede creates bold projects with playful colors.

Born in Novato, California, I have lived in eight different states. Chicago has been my home for nearly a decade, making it my second-longest place of residence.

I earned my BA from Mercyhurst University, where I was recruited for rowing after a decorated career as the coxswain on Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory Rowing Team. At Mercyhurst, I majored in graphic design and minored in photography and art history. Inspired by painters like Edward Hopper and Giorgio Morandi, I began oil painting in the early months of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, where I started with community classes.

I primarily photograph with my iPhone and share images on Instagram. Currently, I paint at the Greenleaf Art Center in Rogers Park, Chicago.