Patricia Turner – Artist Statement

I am a self-taught, native Texas artist who began drawing and painting in oils and acrylics at a young age. I studied art and graphic design at the University of Houston and University of Texas in Austin, as well as privately and on-line with various national contemporary artists (such as Nicholas Wilton, Pam Coughey and Joan Fullerton). 
In 1989, I moved to Los Angeles where my artistic direction changed to include mixed media collage, assemblage and abstraction. Experimentation is key in my approach to the canvas. I believe this intuitive process keeps my work constantly changing, and consequently, every painting I produce is uniquely me.  
My favorite contemporary abstract influences and mentors are:  Joan Fullerton, Louise Fletcher, Mark Bradford, Nicholas Wilton, Amadea Bailey, Brian Rutenberg and Lorie Mirabelli.
Formal Education:

University of Texas Thompson Conference Center Continuing Education Division (1994) 40 hours certified Graphic Design and Marketing
University of Houston School of Fine Art (1985).  drawing and painting
Del Mar College School of Fine Art (1967-1968).  Graphic Arts, Drawing and painting

I am Self Taught:

While studying with other Texas artists and at the University of Houston, I studied art books about the old masters. I loved the expressionist painters, works by Renoir, the figurative work of Amadeo Modigliani, and the beautiful portraits of John Singer Sargent. I have always been captivated by the human face and form as much as I am excited by abstraction with heavy textures and strong contrasts. It was while living in Los Angeles, CA (1989-1992) that I began a real love affair with abstraction and expressionism and the idea of letting my emotions guide my hands.

Contemporary Mentors, Influences and Private Instruction:
  • Mark Bradford, Los Angeles Collage Artist
  • Joan Fullerton, Online Workshops
  • Pam Coughey, Hamilton, Montana – Powerful Design/Personal Color Online Course, 2019
  • Brian Rutenberg, New York, New York – Studio Visits 1-64
  • Jonas Gerard, Asheville, NC – “Confluence” Private Reception
  • Filomena Andrade Booth, Texas and Florida Artist, Abstract Contemporary Workshop, October 2015, Irving, Texas
  • Mentor, Amadea Bailey, Los Angeles, CA, expressionist and abstract painter (2014 to present)
  • Atelier 3-D Studio – Steve Dubov, Anatomy – clay figure sculpture study (2013)
  • Gregory Truett Smith – Austin, Texas pencil portraiture (2000 – 2001)
  • Char Eppright – Austin, Texas pastel and oil portraiture (2000)
  • Daugherty Art Center, Austin, Texas – Meryl Berwick pastel figurative and portraiture (1991-1992)
  • Dot Turner Studio – Corpus Christi, Texas clay sculpture (1972)
  • Dick Turner Studio – Corpus Christi, Texas oil landscapes (1967-1972).  Dick was my greatest influence.
Solo Exhibitions:
  • Andiamo Italian Restaurant and Gallery – Austin, Texas (2023 to present)
  • The Scratch Kitchen, Georgetown, Texas (2022 to 2023)
  • The Vineyard at Florence, Texas (2016- 2019)
  • The Hollow Restaurant and Gallery – Georgetown, Texas (2015-2016)
  • Turner Studio Gallery – Georgetown, Texas (2012-2013)
Solo Exhibitions:
  • Andiamo Italian Restaurant and Gallery – Austin, Texas (2023 to present)
  • The Scratch Kitchen, Georgetown, Texas (2022 to 2023)
  • The Vineyard at Florence, Texas (2016- 2019)
  • The Hollow Restaurant and Gallery – Georgetown, Texas (2015-2016)
  • Turner Studio Gallery – Georgetown, Texas (2012-2013)
Curatorial Projects:
  • New Braunfels Art League -Invited sole Juror for the “Break it Down” Abstract Show, August 13, 2019
  • Oktoberfest Arts Festival, Jonestown, Texas – 2008, Curator and lead juror for artists’ submissions
Private Collections:
  • Works held in private collections in Austin, Cedar Park, Dallas, Fort Worth, Horseshoe Bay, Houston, and Georgetown, Texas; Los Angeles and Poway, CA; Rio Verde, AZ; Carson City, NV; New York, NY and Washington, DC.
Awards – Theatrical Productions
  • Selected over 30 artists as Visual Artist for Upsetting the Apple Cart, an original play produced for Artspark Festival Competition, 2007, Austin, Texas
  • Two abstract paintings, Inferno and Cielo, were selected by The Vineyard at Florence, Florence, Texas and used as labels for their new artisan wines for 2017.