A Souvenir of Gratitude

Plein Air Today reader Marian Fortunati; The painting in this photo was juried into a show at the Santa Paula Art Museum which will hang from July 12 until November 9, 2025. The show is titled, “Celebrating Nature: Paintings by the Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore. "I was lucky to have three paintings juried in to this show," Marian shared.

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We love to hear from the Plein Air Today community! The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today’s feature is on Marian Fortunati.

What’s your favorite place to paint, and why?
I love to paint in the Malibu Hill areas because of the closeness to my home and the diversity of subject matter. No matter the season, there is always a beautiful spot to capture my imagination. This scene (above) was alongside Las Virgenes Road, but I also like to paint in nearby King Gillette Ranch (part of the Mountain Conservation and Recreation Authority) and Malibu Creek State Park.

What’s your #1 choice of media, and why?
I use oil paints because of the flexibility of the medium.

What’s your favorite subject to paint, and why?
I always find myself drawn to landscapes of different places I’ve explored. Sometimes I do an intimate close-up look and sometimes a more panoramic scene. Whatever the light and season point out as captivating, I try to make a souvenir of gratitude reflecting my appreciation for being able to share the moment.

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