Santa Cruz, California
Paul Fortis
Soft pastel and plein air paintings shaped by more than forty years of observing the California landscape.
Santa Cruz Coast
Santa Cruz, California
Soft pastel and plein air paintings shaped by more than forty years of observing the California landscape.
Santa Cruz Coast
About the artist
Paul Fortis is a Santa Cruz–based fine artist working primarily in soft pastel and oil. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and educated at UC Santa Cruz, he has spent his life capturing the natural beauty of Northern California and the American West.
For availability, commissions, studio visits, or exhibition questions, contact Paul directly.
From the studio
In the landscape
Paul’s plein air paintings begin outdoors, responding directly to the light, weather, color, and character of a particular place.
Color and light
Paul has worked in soft pastel for more than forty years, using layered color to capture coastlines, gardens, and the changing California light.
Open studios & exhibitions
Paul participates in Santa Cruz County Open Studios and regional plein air events. Visit the events page for announcements and an archive of recent exhibitions.