Infinite Worlds

When I started looking into the art of Fred Pfeiffer, there was extremely little out on the internet or anywhere else. That told me that something needed to be done to correct this glaring omission.

Later on, I was told about this book written by Vincent DiFate and was lucky enough to find a copy in a used book store. I believe the book is out of print as it was published in 1997.

The book contains 4 paperback covers done by Pfeiffer and has a small but nice two paragraph write up on the man:

"Fred Pfeiffer was an extremely versatile and talented artist who worked in many genres. His beautiful oil painting technique, though realistc, incorporated numerous painterly touches, such as the obvious presence of variegated brushwork and the use of oil washes (a technique in which the paint is thinned to a point where it appears to have been applied wet, such as a watercolor painting, rather than in a viscous state). These stylistic elements lent his work a decidedly modern look. His mastery of the human figure and ability to capture mood, whether for a period romance or a mainstream political thriller, put him in great demand at most major paperback houses such as Bantam, Dell, and Ballantine."

"Pfeiffer attended the Art Center College of Design in southern California in the late 1950s and began freelancing in the early 1960s. There was considerable growth in his illustration work as he developed his technique, finally hitting his stride around 1972. Along with his paperback assignments, he produced art for several motion picture campaigns and in 1979 he moved from the New York area to Los Angeles. In the late fall of 1995, he visited New York in an effort to reintroduce himself to the publishing markets. Around the time of that visit, this extraordinarily talented artist took his own life."

What a gold mine of information provided by Mr. DiFate.

I have had recent email conversations with Mr. DiFate. He made this statement:

" I couldn't agree more about the greatness of Fred Pfeiffer as both an artist and illustrator. His work certainly influence my own, particularly for the paperback market".

Thank you, Mr. DiFate, for your wonderful book and your kindness in communication.

Courtney Rogers

PS While I do own a copy of Infinite Worlds, the photograph presented was sent to me by Bob Dirig at the Art Center College of Design archives. Thanks, Bob!