About Kathryn Mapes Turner

Artist Statement

The Miraculous Process

My need to create flows from the privilege of participating in the miraculous nature of the creative process rather than rendering some notion of a perfect product. The creative process is a confluence of nature's inspiration and my personal interpretation of what I am experiencing. I strive to create paintings that record my own experience of the subject's essential spirit and energy, not an imitation of a fixed surface reality. This process requires my presence, enthusiasm, open-minded appreciation, playfulness, courage and honesty. In this way, creating art is transformative, universal and timeless.

Thanks

When I think of the blessings in my life I feel overwhelmed - I don’t know where to begin to say thanks. This is my humble expression of deep gratitude for teachers who have instructed me, fellow artists who inspire me, and family and friends who support me faithfully as I pursue this dream of being an artist.

Bio

The artwork of Kathryn Mapes Turner has unfolded from the mountain valley of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Here she was born as the fourth generation to be raised on the Triangle X Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. She grew up riding the trails of the valley, learning wilderness lore and gaining an eye for landscape amid what she believes to be the most spectacular scenery on earth.

Turner began studying art in her teens from noted local painters. She then left Wyoming to attend the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Studio Arts. She spent an influential semester in Rome, Italy and then studied at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington D.C. Turner now has a master's degree from the University of Virginia.

Having been passionate about painting since childhood, Turner is now nationally recognized as a emerging artist. Turner has been awarded with such honors as Wyoming Best Watercolor Artist and was included in SouthwestArt Magazine's "Annual Profile of Young Artists with Promising Careers."

Turner believes that growing up in Grand Teton National Park, a place with such dramatic light and dramatic natural composition, gave her an intimate appreciation for art. "I believe the valley of Jackson Hole evokes expression," says Turner. She now travels all over the world to paint. With watercolors and oil paints, Turner responds to what she sees in hopes of sharing this love of the sublime with others through her work. Turner believes beauty, which can be found everywhere, is a true richness in life.

In addition to her dedication to creating artwork, Turner also owns and operates Trio Fine Art Gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with fellow artists Lee Carlman Riddell and September Vhay.

Awards

• 2008 National Academy of Equine Art National Exhibition
• 2006 Selected Member - Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters
• 2005 Selected Artist - Opening Our Doors,CVAA
• 2004 Featured Artist - Jackson Hole Old West Days
• 2004 Dehli 4 International Art Exhibition, India
• 2003 First Place, Women Artists of the West International Juried Show
• 2003 Accepted, Signature Member - Wyoming Watercolor Society
• 2002 Top 21 Under 31 Emerging Artists - SouthwestArt Magazine
• 2001 Best Wyoming Artist - Wyoming Watercolor Society
• 2001 Best Local Artist - Jackson Hole Mountain Artist Rendezvous
• 1992 Purchase Award - University of Notre Dame
• 1987 Purchase Award - National Museum of Wildlife Art

Exhibits and Collections

• 2008 Trio Fine Art - One Woman Show
• 2007 Solo Show - Susan Calloway Fine Art, Georgetown,DC
• 2007 One Woman Show - Thos. Moser, Washington DC
• 2006 - 2008 National Museum of Wildlife Art - Western Visions Show
• 2006 Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters Show, Winter Park, CO
• 2006 Trio Fine Art - One Woman Show
• 2005 National Museum of Wildlife Art - Three Woman Show
• 2005 Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters Show, Jackson Hole, WY
• 2004 National Museum of Wildlife Art - Two Woman Show. Landscapes
• 2003 WAOW International Juried Competition
• 2002 Muse Gallery Solo Exhibition, Jackson Hole, WY
• 2000 - 2006 Mountain Artist Rendezvous
• 2001 - 2006 Teton Fall Arts Festival - Quick Draw and Auction
• 2000 - 2006 Take it to the Streets Art Show
• 2001, 2003, 2005 National Museum of Wildlife Art - Out of the Box Auction
• 2001 - 2005 Wyoming Watercolor Society National Watercolor Show
• 1999 Artist League - Torpedo Factory, Alexandria

News

• Kathy Turner is currently on assignment in Italy