“Cherish your own emotions and never under-value them. We are not here to do what has already been done.” ― Robert Henri

Welcome to KodiakArt

About the Artist

Hi and Welcome
This website is more than a portfolio or a shop; it's a curated glimpse into my life experiences, emotions, memories, and thoughts. Each artwork you’ll find here are bits and pieces to a larger world within my imagination and identity. My goal is to create work that resonate, invites reflection, and sparks connection.

My name is Isaac, and I have lived in Dallas, Texas, all my life. My artistic journey began as a young child, creating only monster and superhero drawings, which bled into my early teenage years, when I focused heavily on anatomy and creating very illustrative creature pieces. I have rarely created observational pieces or used many references. My Art is quite directly a glimpse into my imagination and visions. I still have a passion for drawing creatures and animals, as you can see from my recent works, but I have also grown an affinity for creating abstract environments and landscapes. I have always gravitated towards making pen and ink pieces; it allows me to get lost in the repetitive, meditative nature of lines and patterns. My pen-and-ink pieces seem to take a lifetime to create, but the discipline required is so rewarding. I have more recently begun my oil painting journey, and it has revealed a different aspect of myself that has been incredibly inspiring to see. My long-term goals are to become a drawing and painting professor, and I am currently working towards my BFA in Studio Art: Drawing and Painting. Following my BFA, I will continue my education by pursuing an MFA to refine my creative process and become an Art Professor.

Whether you're here to explore, collect, or simply enjoy, I hope you find a piece that speaks to you as it has spoken to me. Thank you for your time.

“A landscape has an inherent story within itself, and in time, a landscape will make visible sprouts, scars, beauty, and death in a simultaneous continuum. The continuity of change becomes a familiar and comforting aspect within a landscape, and for these characteristics, I believe it can serve as a very useful way to express an emotional identity and to recognize a certain peace through an emotional history of chaos and evolution. because, likewise, our emotional states have a story within themselves, a history with significant markers and events. As well as many scars of losses and new sprouts of experiences and virtues. I’ve found myself in a season that has felt like many fresh wounds that can only ever be scars, and through it, I have had to face myself in ways I have never done. I can see myself changing rapidly, and an honesty being sought. I continue to build familiarity with certain guilts and griefs that seem like the lightning-struck trees among growing pastures. There is beauty found in all of these things. Through oil paint and pen and ink, I have the opportunity to express myself in the most meaningful way I can. I do not have much of a way with words, but within canvas and paper, there is a natural ease in transposing my identity. In my paintings, I have found a true sweetness with what I seem to uncover, build, or explore. I don’t see it as a sort of escape, but rather an extension of myself in a way that looks and feels like a very familiar space, though it had never been seen. I really love painting these landscapes, and I hope someone can find something special in what I believe is a very spirited kind of entity.”

- Isaac Fortner

Artist Statement

Get in Touch

I’d love to hear from you! Reach out with any questions or inquiries about commissions. I would love to help you in any way I can!

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CONTACT

STAY CONNECTED

IsaacF@Kodiakart.com

214-566-5135

Artist CV