American Graffiti

Part of my “Petaluma Landmarks” series, “American Graffiti” celebrates one of the town’s most iconic events — the annual May gathering where downtown streets are closed and classic cars take center stage.

This fine art print is based on an original photograph but has been heavily altered in Photoshop to create a painterly effect, blending photography and illustration to capture both the scene and the spirit of the day.

The event pays tribute to the movie “American Graffiti,” much of which was filmed right here in Petaluma.

In “American Graffiti,” the timeless charm of downtown architecture, the rumble of vintage engines, and the glow of a community gathering are all preserved — a lively moment when history, tradition, and celebration meet.

This print is a piece of Petaluma’s living story — perfect for anyone who loves classic Americana, small-town pride, and the beauty of a scene that feels as real today as it did fifty years ago.

I am also displaying the original unaltered photograph for you to see what it looked like before I "photoshopped" it.