Artist Bill Patterson continues to bring burning passions of painting, motorsports to life at NASCAR

Race car artist Bill Patterson has been involved in the profession for over 30 years, but exemplifies his deep passion one project at a time.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Showing off a vibrant painting of William Byron’s No. 24 car before the NASCAR Cup Series Championship on Sunday, Patterson exemplified what it means for him to do what he loves while also being on some of the biggest stages the motorsports world has to offer.

While he has worked at events like weddings and tennis, “90%” of what he does is centered around race cars and the variety of different competitions. He primarily paints for different sectors of racing like IndyCar, Formula One, NASCAR, IMSA SportsCar Championship and has dabbled in NHRA as well.

He may not have had the opportunity to race at the highest level, but that doesn’t mean Patterson will dream of himself sitting behind the wheel of these powerful machines.

“I always wanted to be that guy, and I picture myself in the car all the time. The closest I am going to get to be that guy is to do a painting, and I try to imagine myself in that car, paint how that might feel like,” Patterson said.

Using “predominantly acrylic” paint, he gets to transform a blank canvas into a masterpiece. Many celebrities as well as major corporations own his paintings like BMW, Porsche and Ferrari among others.

Patterson’s work has been recognized so much that even some racers themselves acknowledge his paintings, making every day that much more special.

One of the more notable clients he has ever had the pleasure to know is Formula One legend Mario Andretti, somebody Patterson doesn’t take the relationship he has with for granted.

“Mario Andretti is my oldest client, a guy that I have known for a long time. I know a lot of people in IndyCar especially. I love hanging out with racers and being in that community, so this makes it all the more special to me,” Patterson said. “When someone asks me, ‘Hey, do you know Mario Andretti?’ What you want to know is Mario Andretti knows me which is pretty cool and I pinch myself. When I have a bad day, I tell myself that I paint race cars for a living and hang out with my heroes.”

Even though he does make a living off of his artwork, Patterson also lends a helping hand with charity. He has been to numerous amounts of galas where proceeds go to good causes, seeing the pieces he put together provide a positive impact on those in need.

When he not only gets the opportunity to collaborate with charities but to do so alongside some of the most popular racers, Patterson is glad to contribute in any way he can.

“I have helped raise millions of dollars for charity where I go on stage, do a painting and auction it off for, in some cases, big, big money. That allows me to be on stage with some of the biggest stars in the sport, it’s awesome,” Patterson said.

With him making the trip to Avondale, this NASCAR Championship Weekend marked his 20th year going to Phoenix Raceway. Byron was in third place as Joey Logano was the first to cross the finish line and win the Cup Series.

Developing the connections he has with the racers while also being able to express his love for the sport, Patterson is grateful for what he has accomplished and didn’t hint at slowing down anytime soon.

Seeing the reactions of people’s faces to his art is priceless and he will continue to keep making long-lasting memories as long as he is able to.

“I have had clients for over 30 years that really like what I do and I think they understand that I am a racer at heart too because that’s how I paint. They get that feeling when they look at my paintings,” Patterson said. “It’s not a photograph, it is an expressive painting and I think that a lot of the guys really dig that. I think I earned my respect with that crowd for having done it as long as I have.”

The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, Phoenix Raceway partner to offer free mammogram screenings before NASCAR Championship Weekend

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*

Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini