Art Fitzpatrick at Art Center College of Design. Photo: Chuck Spangler

Considered an icon in the milieu of automotive painting and design, Art Fitzpatrick, recently visited Art Center to share his life work and lessons with students.  With a career that stretched over seven decades, Fitzpatrick, is best known for his more than 700 auto advertisements.  His 1959-71 “Wide Track” campaign for Pontiac is considered by many to be the most recognizable, successful and influential auto ad artwork of all time.

Transportation Design faculty member Richard Pietruska is currently working with Fitzpatrick and arranged for him to visit with students.

“He is an amazing illustrator who has influenced many of us in the automotive design world from the 60′s and 70′s up to the present,” said Pietruska.  “His work captures the true essence of what the cars of that era represented and his passion and skill comes across in his brilliant technique.”

Fitzpatrick continues to produce paintings of his favorite cars today but now works mainly on the computer at his home in Carlsbad, California. He is also an honorary member of the Automotive Fine Arts Society who exhibit at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Find out much more and see his beautiful work at www.fitz-art.com