Celebrated San Francisco Artist Passes Away

Pete Doolittle, a well-known San Francisco artist renowned for his whimsical paintings of robots and animals, passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2025, at the age of 47. His vibrant artwork has graced homes and establishments throughout San Francisco for decades.

A Familiar Face in the Local Art Scene

Doolittle was a distinctive figure in the Bay Area’s art community, often seen selling his creations at makeshift sidewalk pop-up galleries near the Lower Haight. Many locals may have encountered him through his engaging Facebook artist page, where he shared insights and updates about his work.

Tribute from a Grieving Partner

His partner, Claudia Nicolas Pierce, shared the heartbreaking news on social media: “I regret to inform you all that Pete Doolittle passed away peacefully, and very unexpectedly… He was unapologetically himself, which is so rare in this world.” She also described him as a person who effortlessly charmed everyone he met with his humor and wit.

Community Support and Memorial Plans

In the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe campaign has been established in Doolittle’s memory, raising nearly $15,000 in just three days. The campaign acknowledges the sudden nature of his death and emphasizes the community’s need for support during this challenging time.

A memorial gathering is set for February 2 at Cafe International, coinciding with what would have been Doolittle’s birthday.

An Innovative Artistic Approach

Doolittle’s signature style involved creating art directly on reclaimed glass, primarily from discarded window panels. In a 2012 interview, he detailed his unique process, stating, “I get most of my glass through contractors… When people realize I use windows for my art they bring me windows; it works well.” This sustainable approach not only contributed to his artistic practice but also resonated with environmentally conscious art lovers.