Summer 2024

150 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 4 Fortune returned to San Francisco in 1905 and enrolled at the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art in San Francisco, studying under Arthur Mathews, renowned artist and father of the California Arts and Crafts movement.When the earthquake of 1906 struck, Fortune’s family home was dynamited in an attempt to stop the fires caused by the quake. Like other artist refugees fleeing San Francisco, Fortune and her mother went to Carmel and lived in a tent across from the Pine Inn for many weeks.With no home to return to, her family relocated to NewYork with the purpose of allowing Fortune to continue her studies at the Art Student’s League (ASL). She garnered many awards dur- ing her studies at ASL, alongside another prom- ising female student, Georgia O’Keefe, while studying under painter F. Luis Mora, who has been called “America’s First Hispanic Master.” He was a champion of Fortune’s and was also the brother of prolific Carmel artist Jo Mora. Years later, F. Luis Mora along with William Ritschel nominated Fortune to the National Academy of Design. After completing her studies in New York, Fortune gained her first large commission. She was hired to create a mural for the convent school she had attended in Edinburgh, taking her back to the U.K. While in Edinburgh, her uncle died, leaving Fortune devastated, and her work on the mural was never completed. Upon his death, Fortune’s uncle left her a sizable inher- itance, allowing her to stay in Europe and giving her the freedom to travel. She traveled and exhibited throughout Scotland and England and found inspiration in the work of the Pre- (Clockwise from top left) Fortune riding side saddle on her brother James’ motorcycle. Motorcycles have remained a family passion for Fortune’s nephew, Jim; Fortune posing in the bath on one of her transatlantic voyages; Fortune’s Monterey home. Photos: Courtesy of James R. Fortune