Petty began a series of color cartoons for Esquire in the early 1930s, featuring gorgeous girls and their unlikely unhandsome suitors. Soon the beauties with their dazzling smiles and curves held solo center stage, and the 'Petty Girl' was born, in the early 1940s. In the 1950 Hollywood film 'The Petty Girl', the rotund artist was portrayed by slim Robert Cummings. His masterful style elevated him to the ranks of the very best artist in pin-up and glamour art.