Turner, Elaine
Elaine was born in Willingdon, Alberta and grew up on a farm near the town. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education degree. Teaching for 36 years was a very rewarding career. With her husband, Wayne, they raised two sons. They traveled through various parts of Europe and U.S. of A. She has been active in gardening, playing golf, cooking, sewing, photography and playing the piano.
As she approached the possibility of retirement, she felt the need to find another hobby. Painting seemed like a great creative activity. However she feared the idea of getting started. She signed up for her first course with Ruth Daynes, who taught a class called “Scared Stiff to Paint”. She was intrigued with the bright transparent quality of watercolour and enjoyed capturing the crisp edges, soft colours and delicate features of watercolour.
After placing third in two watercolour paintings in the Orchid Festival of Alberta, she was inspired to take more courses from local artists: Fran Mansell, Cindy Barratt, Willy Wong, Kathryn Hines. Then she pursued classes in other mediums; acrylics with Judy Martin, oils with Johanes Vloothius, and encaustic with Lorna Kemp.
She has been very grateful for the support and encouragement from the talented local artists and the friendships that she acquired while being a member of the Allied Arts Council of Spruce Grove.
