Art Garage: Tom Fritz, Frontier of Speed

You’ve most likely seen Tom’s work before. If not in your favorite magazine, then at your favorite car-show. His expressive use of color, fabulous lighting and striking compositions are recognizable.

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I had the opportunity to speak with Tom about his work and the hot rod culture. He likened hot rodders as the new cowboys exploring the frontier of speed. Pushing the limits of man and machine has been a common theme for hot rodders of yesterday as well as today. Tom presents that theme for us in a Rockwell-esque commentary. But don’t be confused between commentary and documentary. His work is first here to share his appreciation of the arts. An appreciation, which demonstrates the value of the arts not as a recorder of what is happening, but as a communication tool that solidifies a culture. His work is a visual investigation of what the culture has to offer. And thus, recruiting new members to the tribe. The arts, be it music, visual or written word brings commonality of people together as a culture. Art helps us relate to each other. And Tom’s art is the glue holding these fleeting moments and opposing forces together for us to enjoy today and for our grand-kids to enjoy.

Tom admitted he has gotten both in-trouble and out-of-trouble because of his art. From doodling in class to getting out of fights when he characterizes (and subsequently defuses) a class-room bully. I admitted I was never smart like that to use my artistic sense to get me OUT of trouble.

I asked Tom about his work for Harley-Davidson. Was the work commissioned and did they direct you on the images? He said that Willie G. Davidson had seen his work at a show and they asked him to create some work for the company. Tom said they didn’t direct him. His philosophy on commission work is: “Painting for someones PeeChee folder”. He paints what he wants and how he wants it. And I say: “The end results are awesome!”

I trust you will enjoy Tom’s work as much as I and many others do. To find out more visit FritzArt.com. You can purchase prints and inquire about original works as well. Let me know what you think with your comments below.

Tony Colombini

My Uncle Delmar made me do it. Then my two older brothers egged me on. And after we moved down to So Cal in ‘72 this 10 year old would be tested on passing vehicles on our yearly trip up the 101 and down the 5 to visit relatives in Santa Rosa. The Chevelle passes us up and as I watch the skinny tail lights disappear through the back window of the Country Squire, I’d yell out ‘68! I study the grille of the Impala following close behind and I know it’s a ‘65. Fast forward thirty years later and with a degree in Visual Communications and this artistic classic car enthusiast is living his dream creating art, design and yes even writing a word or two on the automotive industry. And with a couple of bit parts on My Classic Car, Chop Cut Rebuild and on the cutting floor of Overhaulin’. I’m very proud to share my passion for all things art and fuel with you.

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