Born in Berwick in the 1950s to recently-arrived Dutch parents, Liz's interest in art started at a young age but a career in medical science, as well as family commitments, took priority for many years. She only pursued art seriously in 2009 on joining Jacqui Long's sketching class at the Peninsula Arts Society. Tutelage under Catherine Hamilton ignited a passion for the pastel medium and more recently oils as well with Bill Caldwell. In addition, Fiona Bilbrough is an influential tutor and mentor in oils, particularly portraiture, with a Meldrum School influence.
Liz Turner with one of her paintings titled 'Connection to Country' from the
Kimberley Community Exhibition in the Mackley Members Room
The beauty of the human form, and the face as a visual representation of the essence of a person, has always inspired Liz, as well as a fascination for observing and recording the interactions between people, and a curiosity about the the stories behind the faces. This has resulted in a preference for painting portraits or figurative subjects in pastel, pastel and ink, or oils.
An admiration for the works of John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, Nicolai Fechin and Richard Schmid inspires and influences Liz’s art work.
Experiencing European galleries first hand, joining the Paris Urban Sketchers and drawing at the famous Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, or simply sitting in a Paris cafe sketching, have enhanced an appreciation of the wider context of art in society and its traditions.
In addition to working in her studio on the Mornington Peninsula, Liz enjoys the camaraderie and support of fellow artists at a number of different local life drawing and portraiture groups, as well as attending workshops.
Liz Turner taking Art lessons at Frog Hollow Independent Aboriginal School in the East Kimberley
'Portrait commission', pastel on paper by Liz Turner
'Self portrait', oil on board by Liz Turner
'Golden Days', pastel and ink on paper by Liz Turner
'Café des Musées, Paris,' oil on board by Liz Turner
'University Students, Bologne', pastel on paper by Liz Turner
A connection to a remote indigenous community near the Purnululu National Park in the East Kimberley was fostered after a family member taught in the community's school. An invitation to personally visit the community followed, and in addition to spending time with the children in art classes, Liz built a body of sketches and reference photos.
An already keen interest in Aboriginal history and culture was thus heightened, and a belief too that reconciliation starts with individual awareness. Resulting indigenous portraits and figurative studies are a small contribution to this end, and they can be seen at Liz's current Kimberley Community Exhibition at VAS.
MEMBERSHIPS
Peninsula Arts Society
McClelland Guild of Artists
Pastel Society of Victoria
Mornington Peninsula Painting and Drawing Group
Victorian Artists' Society
AWARDS
Highly Commended, Mornington Art Show, 2023
Highly Commended and People's Choice, Peninsula Arts Society Art Show, 2022
Best Mixed Media and People's Choice, Peninsula Arts Society Art Show, 2018
Best Pastel, Peninsula Arts Society Art Show, 2016
Best Painting Under $500, Knox Rotary Art Show, 2013
EXHIBITIONS
Solo Exhibition, Whitehill Gallery, Red Hill, 2018
We would like to pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land on which our building stands, their leaders, past, present and emerging.