Liz Turner

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. 

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. 

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.