Fermanagh artist Gail Turner is inspired by the great outdoors. Specialising in oils, her vibrant and colourful artworks are often emotive.

Alongside her own artistic practice, Gail teaches art, believing that it has a part to play in wellbeing.

Here she talks to The Impartial Reporter about her background in art, her most ambitious piece to date and what art means to her.

What is your artistic background? Are you self-taught or did you go to art school/do courses?

My first recollection of really studying an illustration was the painting of Cinderella in her ballgown in the original Ladybird books when I was about six. I remember thinking I loved the smoothness of the paint and all the details in the picture. I have taught art to children in schools for 30 years and did a graduate diploma in Therapeutic Art for Children. I did courses to learn the basic elements of oil painting and then just painted a lot! There are so many aspects to art, I learn every time I put a brush to canvas. I continue to take courses when I can.

What inspires your art?

Mostly nature and shapes I see in nature. I spend a lot of time outside and this is what inspires me most. The ever-changing light and seasons mean nothing stays the same, even though it may stand in the same place. I find this interesting. Colour also motivates me to paint. Sometimes it can be a memory or even a phrase that resonates with me.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

When I lived in London and Hong Kong, I loved going around the galleries to see what was new. The Abstract Expressionism Exhibition at the Royal Academy in London had a big impact on me. The scale of the work was extraordinary. I love the Spanish artist, Felix Revello de Toro’s work. He manages to paint white with such eloquence. I am often surprised at my own reaction when I see an artist’s work in person. I didn’t think I would like Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work, but when I went to the exhibition, it was incredibly powerful – so honest and full of impact.

Is there a specific place that you do your work? Do you have a studio?

I do have a studio but I tend to work where the light is good and it is warm. I move from the front porch to the kitchen and out to the studio according to the season! I keep thinking it would be better to stay in one place, so I don’t have to cart everything around, but I can’t seem to manage it! I also paint outside – en plein air at times.

What has been your most ambitious piece to date?

Moving my work up in size to over a metre in size was a big step for me. Now I love to paint big! I had a good laugh at myself one day when I brought a big canvas outside to paint my courtyard, and couldn’t see around it to paint the subject!

What different artistic media do you use and which is your favourite?

I love oils most of all. I just love the texture as I work with them. I also use acrylics at times.

I’ve experimented with most mediums but always seem to come back to oils.

What are you currently working on?

I’ve just finished a large seascape which has taken me quite a while. I’m planning my next painting but time is always an issue. I like to spend four hours straight working at the same painting to get some continuity going.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

I exhibit my work in Culture Coffee in Coleraine and Portstewart. People can get fantastic home baking with a cup of coffee and look at my art work there. They are owned by a Fermanagh family. I also exhibit pieces with Hambly & Hambly. It’s great to have an enthusiastic, quality gallery on our doorstep!

Any new artistic ventures planned for the rest of 2021?

I have recently started Art Workshops for kids and young people aged seven to 18, called Fermanagh Art Club, so I am working on developing that at the moment. I am also starting Paint and Play Birthday parties for children. I think art has an important part to play in wellbeing and working through personal challenges, so I want to equip young people with a more skilled way to do this.

What has been your favourite project to date?

I painted a pheasant for my dad’s birthday and a cherry blossom tree for my mum’s birthday. It was so lovely to give them something I had created and it was a thank you for all the years they have trekked around after me, and for the opportunities they opened up for me.

What are you up to when you aren’t creating art?

Lying quietly in a corner! Swimming in the lake, trying to keep weeds at bay in the garden and walking our collie, who never seems to tire!

How would you describe your artistic style?

I think it’s quite naïve. I love colour so it’s often quite exuberant. It is often emotional.

What does your art mean to you?

People often say, “There’s nothing to do….” I never feel that way because of art. It gives me a purpose and a community. I am always learning, and for me it is the greatest joy to make something appear out of nothing. The invisible becomes visible. It is completely absorbing, frustrating and rewarding all in one! If you want something to happen, you have to go out and create it yourself.