Christian Thee is regarded as one of today's leading practitioners of trompe l'oeil painting, his unique style being a direct and purposeful extension of his work as a scenic designer for the theater. For the artist, a trompe l'oeil painting provides an opportunity for a dialogue with the viewer, first luring him into the acceptance of the "reality" before him and then, as an ill-defined sense of the deception dawns, impelling a closer look, and finally an exclamation of surprise. The artist's virtuosity demonstrated, the encounter often continues as symbolic, biographical and even political allusions wait to be deciphered by the viewer.

While attending the University of South Carolina, he was appointed designer for the local Community Theater. Later, he relocated to New York City and studied with Lester Polakov at Columbia University. Mr. Polakov went on to open his own, very successful Forum Of Stage Design in NYC, and Mr. Thee joined him on the teaching faculty. During this time, Mr. Thee also worked as assistant to the legendary stage designer, Jo Mielziner, and added numerous Broadway, Regional, and Stock productions to his credentials.

Mr. Thee has had numerous one-man shows throughout the country, and the main body of his extensive work can be found in private and corporate collections. In 1981, he had the honor of being commissioned to paint the portrait of Prince Andrew of England, on the occasion of the prince's twenty-first birthday. Mr. Thee subsequently attended the royal birthday party at Windsor Castle and was presented to HRH Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.