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"On looking back over the years I have come to realize that art (be it drawing, painting, music, or the theater) has always been a part of my life. It has been the motivating force that has guided my actions. Today, the process of creating a painting, in itself gives me complete satisfaction."
Mary has been drawing and painting since early childhood. Because of her interest in nature including love of plant life, she obtained a B.S. in Plant Genetics at the University of California, Berkeley, CA. Mary moved to San Luis Obispo, CA where she resumed her studio art studies as well as becoming active in the art community. By 1977 Mary was teaching painting through the local Cuesta Community College.
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A catalyst for career change In 1982 Turnbull moved to Los Angeles to further pursue her art career. By 1985, in order to enrich her creative spirit Mary accepted the position of Art Specialist at Culver City Unified School District to implement the J. Paul Getty Museum's seven year pilot program in Elementary Art Education. During this time she obtained her California K-12 Teaching Credential, as well as a Master of Arts Degree.
The arts as a passion
In order to be a 'mover and a shaker' in the art community Mary served on the Board of the Los Angeles Chapter of Artists Equity. And to help maintain a high interest in art education, Turnbull did summer workshops as consultant with the National Improving Visual Arts Education Program, Washington, D.C., served on the Board of the Los Angeles County Art Education Council, and was an active member in the National, California, and Los Angeles Art Education Associations.
Evolving as a Creative Artist Mary continued painting while teaching, being inspired by the tenacity of two women painters, Georgia O'Keefe and Emily Carr. Also, the simplistic forms of Diebenkorn counterbalanced by the distinctive compositions and audacious colors of David Hockney continue to be a great influence in her paintings.
Over the years her work has been represented in numerous corporate offices, established galleries, and private collectors. Besides having studio exhibits Turnbull's paintings are frequently accepted into local and national juried shows, and her satisfied patrons can be found internationally as well as across the United States and Canada.
Retired from teaching, Turnbull has returned to the countryside of San Luis Obispo County, built a live/workspace studio adjacent to Los Padres National Forest and her unique, vibrant oil on gold leaf paintings are exclusively shown at the Salisbury Fine Art Gallery, San Luis Obispo, California.
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