April 28th, 2023Artists of the Central Highlands

with Eve Lamb

TRENTHAM’S Morag Turner hails originally from Lanarkshire, Scotland and it was her love of art that led to her completing a degree in textile design which then led to her moving to Australia. Today she’s inspired by the landscape and natural beauty she sees around her. But this well-established local artist is equally at home turning her talent to life drawing and portraiture, and to realism or abstractionism.

Eve: How do you describe your artistic style?
Morag: I work mainly in artistic realism, without trying to be photographic. I also
do abstract, life drawing and have been practising pencil portraits.
Eve: How did you come to art?
Morag: As a child I loved creating and drawing. I won art prizes at school. I
got my degree in textile design and built a career. That’s what got me to Australia.
It was a desired profession. I didn’t practice art for over 25 years. Life got in the
way, immigrating three times, being a working mum and a marriage break-up. The
kids flew the nest and I got remarried. My husband is extremely supportive and
encouraging. He is building me a studio and comes to all the exhibitions I enjoy
when travelling.
Eve: Which artists have influenced your work?
Morag: Dali’s imagination and drawing skill and Van Gogh’s use of colour and
movement. Like Monet, I use my garden as an endless source of subjects. I was lucky
enough to visit his gardens in Giverny and stood under the wisteria on the bridge
over the lily pond. A very special moment.
Melbourne artist Paul Borg taught me a lot when I attended his art school. One
of the reasons we moved to Trentham was because of the art in the area. I am now
privileged to be part of a local life drawing group. I draw alongside very inspirational
artists Rose Wilson, Helen Cottle and Louise Otten. Great artists and lovely people.
Eve: What is your medium of choice?
Morag: Traditionally I’ve used watercolour, but more recently I love painting with
oils and drawing with graphite. My dad always wanted me to use oils like he did, but
I preferred watercolour.
On holiday here 10 years ago he left his oil paints behind and gave me a quick
rundown before leaving for Scotland. My husband gifted me lessons with Paul Borg
and I have never looked back. I like to experiment with different mediums in travel
sketchbooks.
Eve: What is your subject matter of choice?
Morag: Nature, flowers, trees, landscape and the human form. Nature is so varied.
No two trees are the same. I love drawing the human form as it’s so unique.
Eve: Have you ever worked in any other area besides your arts practice?
Morag: Yes, I’m a public servant. I work full-time. Roll on retirement.
Eve: What are you working on at the moment in your current arts practice?
Morag: I am putting together a collection of flowers. I am playing with the
composition and using close-ups to give a different aspect, making the subject not
obvious at first glance.
Eve: Do you like to play music when you create your art?
Morag: I like to listen to gentle, but not elevator, music. My own playlist or
Spotify café list.
Eve: To date, what have been your career highlights as an artist?
Morag: Selling paintings. It’s a thrill when somebody wants my artwork in their
home.
Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special arts events coming up?
Morag: We are in the process of renovating my studio. I am planning an open
studio for the Melbourne Cup weekend. I am considering an exhibition in a local
gallery.
Eve: What do you think are the main challenges for practicing artists today?
Morag: The digital world. Photography, photoshop, CAD. Look what has
happened to animation. Computers have taken over people skills.
Eve: And the rewards?
Morag: I find art relaxing and de-stressing. I appreciate that many of the
traditions in the art world no longer exist. I enjoy working from photographs. I
experiment with mixing mediums – unlike the impressionists who were shunned for
being different.