Life & Work with Marian Fortunati

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marian Fortunati.

Hi Marian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For almost 40 years, I was happily working as a teacher and a school principal in LAUSD. I enjoyed the work and the people I was with but as I approached the possibility of retirement, I realized that all I really spent time on was work related to learning – kids – parents – education. I needed to develop other interests which would sustain me after I retired. So I began learning about art — a bit of history and a lot of practice. I realized that as I became more proficient as a landscape painter, I was gaining new friends and exploring and enjoying so much more of the natural world. I have always been a bit of a science geek — the natural world has always fascinated me, but as a painter, I am able to explore and immerse myself in the outdoors.

Also as I began to share my work in shows and in art sales, I realized that my ability to capture and interpret the emotional impact and the memories of places and events sometimes would resonate with other people. I enjoyed enabling others to bring their own memories and emotions to the surface through my artwork.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Learning to be a proficient artist is a never-ending challenge. One can never learn it all. Additionally finding ways to showcase the work has become even more difficult since so many art galleries have closed with the pandemic, changing economics and the increase in internet marketing.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My artistic style and unique way of seeing has developed over time. I explore with color, texture and often am intrigued with and try to explore the designs of master contemporary realist artists. I often paint outdoors (en plein air) but I also use my plein air sketches, impressions and photos to create larger works in my studio. I am an award-winning artist, and my work is found in collections throughout the United States, Europe, China and Australia. I am an Artist Member of the California Art Club, and I’m affiliated with the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America and various other art organizations. I am a founding member of PAC6 Painters; an adventurous group dedicated to exploring and painting the beauty and grandeur of the American landscape.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I confess to lots of reading simply to escape. My favorite genre is the detective or crime mystery. (Who knows why?). I also often enjoy historical fiction. The podcasts I listen to are mostly art-related. The Tucson Art School has several great podcasts as does Eric Rhoads of Fine Art Connoisseur and Plein Air Magazine.

I used to be a frequent blogger as I found it a great way to examine my experiences and share them with other bloggers. However, blogging has become less popular so now I only blog occasionally and mostly for myself. My blog posts can be found on my website (www.marianfortunati.com) and they go back to 2007 just before I retired.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marianfortunati.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianfortunati/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneLuckyArtist/