Artist Profile: Nina Fortunka

Nina Fortunka was born in West Palm Beach, Florida but since she was an Air Force brat she feels like she is from everywhere. Her family moved around during her childhood and she finished high school at a boarding school outside London.

When her family settled back in Florida, Fortunka began studying art in college. “I painted on clothing for many years, then finger nails for a few years as a salon artist,” she says. Fortunka later took classes in Chinese ink and multi-media and eventually earned a Bachelors degree in Information Systems from Strayer University in Virginia.

Fortunka first moved to Benicia in the 1980's and returned in 2006 to study with members of The Outsiders; , , Bill Rushton and Randall Sexton. “' was in one of those classes and told me that I should move back here, so I did,” she says. Fortunka takes inspiration from artists, Old Masters and friends.
Currently, she paints with Da Group, the Benicia Plein Air Artists Group, of which she was founding member.  “We would meet on a Sunday morning once a month and other artists would drive or walk by and ask if we were a class. Jerry and Terry would invite them to meet the following month and paint with us.” Da Group has so many members that a close location is scheduled every Sunday.

Fortunka adores playing with acrylic and oil paints. “I loved the smell of oil paints. When I first opened a tube (of paint), I knew I was home.” She hosts classes for friends and family that come into town and is a member of Arts Benicia. Fortunka exhibits her work locally around the Bay Area. “I've been in the since 2007, a year after I arrived back in this wonderful state.”
After working as an Executive Administrative Assistant for over a decade “doing all types of office Ninja work”, Fortunka is looking for work close to home. She is currently studying spiritual teaching of old and new Mystics and Spiritual Masters.

About this column: These are profiles of local artists, many of whom are members of .