Ronda Turk - Horowhenua Print

Painter 



Born in Wellington, my primary teacher at Miramar North School saw a gift for art and made my mother promise that I'd take art to a tertiary level. I had many drawings published on the 'kidstuff' page of The Evening Post.

There has always been a creative thread running through my life, and I found drawing on commission an easy way to fit in with a busy family life. Around the same time I became involved in the local Little Theatre making props and painting sets.  

As an adult student I completed bursary level painting and in 2001 enrolled at The Learning Connexion, completing a diploma in Art and Creativity. Here my drawing experience blended with the large loose painting style need on a theatre set.   A sunflower painting of mine made its way to Tuscany and some large conceptual pieces ended up in a Doctor's surgery in England.  

I enjoy working in oils on canvas, blending realism and the personality of the artist and brush. I'm inspired by light and the way it falls on a subject. With this and a love of music and the outdoors, I'm never lost for a subject. .

To view a selection of Ronda's work click here

Visit Ronda's Blog: frommypalette.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RondaTurk

Here are a few questions I asked Ronda 

What factors in your life do you believe played a significant part in you becoming an artist?
As a child I enjoyed drawing; I guess it was a hobby for me.  Eventually as an adult I became involved in painting Theatre sets. Discovering I loved painting, I studied at The Learning Connexion in Wellington, the rest is history.

Where do you seek inspiration for your art, what inspires you?
Much that inspires me is found outdoors, natural light plays an important part. The way it falls over any subject can make or break a painting.  

What is your favourite creative tool?
The paintbrush. I have over 200. Some people collect shoes, I collect paintbrushes.

What do you love about being an artist?
There is too much to list here, but the top thing would be the process of creating a painting from the first brush stroke to the finishing touch.

If you were not an artist what would you be?
A landscape designer/Gardner, I studied horticulture the same time I did my painting bursary.

Who is your favourite artist, and why?
There are many, but kiwi artist Mark Cross is high on my list. His paintings evoke questions and awe at the same time.

What is you idea of a perfect Sunday?
A day in my garden, then sharing a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or two with friends in the late afternoon.