In contrast to his childhood in Colombia, Pittman's experience in the United States keeps him alert to "the overwhelming hatred that is exhibited by the American population and through actual legislation against homosexuals.”[3][4] Pittman received his MFA from Cal Arts in 1976 studying with Elizabeth Murray, Vija Celmins, and Miriam Schapiro.
He also believes "Pittman's operatic pictures propose that the world's complexity does not override passion, sincerity, and individuality.
"[10] Mayer Russ of Architectural Digest writes, "Pittman’s obsessions—political and personal trauma, with an incisive eye on the lamentable state of current world affairs—is a welcome tonic to the glittery, Koons-and-Hirst-variety theatrics that often dominate contemporary art discourse.
[12] As a Professor of Painting at UCLA, Pittman mentored artists including Elliott Hundley,[13] Lauren Silva,[14] and Toba Khedoori.
[16] In 1996 Pittman's work was the subject of a mid career survey at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
[2]" In 2019, Pittman had a solo retrospective show titled "Declaration of Independence" at the Hammer Museum in Westwood, Los Angeles.
Spectacular gardens, decorated eggs, blue and white porcelains, Dutch still lifes and Spanish interiors, ladies and gentlemen taking tea in drawing rooms — the list is endless, stuffed into jam-packed paintings.