Art
“Pictures at an
Exhibition” Paintings
The artist’s unbridled color palette
ranges from passionate vermillion
red to cool cerulean blue.
Throughout her canvases we witness
tactile crackled surfaces as they
erupt and coalesce with fluid pools
in a continuous symphony of harmony
and contrast.
Turney’s background as a classical
pianist and teacher is a key influence
in her art work. In fact, a recent
series of paintings were inspired
by “Pictures at an Exhibition”,
composed by Mussorgsky. These
paintings exude her mastery of
color, composition and rhythm. They
exemplify her spontaneous painting
process that combines her technical
prowess with innate trust that
allows the creative process to
flow without interference.
“The Art of
Joyful Aging”
This exuberant red-haired woman
shows no sign of slowing down. In
a recent conversation she discussed
her plans to create another new
series of paintings in addition to
volunteering in a major art museum.
In addition to her charity work she
has served as a volunteer for the
White House during two different
administrations.
Her book “The Art of Joyful Aging”
should be within hand’s reach on
everyone’s book shelf and coffee
table as a constant reminder of the
how to excel in the art of living.
Turney declares emphatically,
“My thoughts create my life!”.
She refuses to accept the notion
of “old age” and refers to this time
in her life as “advanced youth.”
“The Art of Healing”
Paintings
Turney’s spiritual foundation has
provided strength during challenging
times. When she was diagnosed with
breast cancer she explained that
her initial reaction was shock and
devastation. Shortly afterward she
asked the question: “God, what shall
I do about this situation?” She
recalls, the answer she received
was loud and clear: “Paint.”
Determined to replace the negative
stereotypes that society attaches
to aging she created a book titled
“The Art of Joyful Aging”. This book
contains more than ninety color
life-affirming “Teeny Turney”
paintings that celebrate the
positive benefits of aging.
This life-changing event gave birth
to her extraordinary series titled
“The Art of Healing” -- thirteen
paintings that depict the emotional
stages of her battle against and
eventual recovery from breast
cancer.
Adjacent to her paintings in the
book are quotations from famous
people through the ages as well as
ordinary folks, friends and relatives.
A famous quotation by Pablo Picasso
appears: “It has taken a long time
to become young.”
This important series expresses the
universal feelings associated with
loss, suffering, fear, faith, hope and
healing. During the painting process
Turney experienced a healing
transformation. She is pleased
that the paintings also serve as
Turney has presented many
inspirational talks and has raised
money for different charities
through sales of her book and
her art work.
63
inspiration and hope for viewers.
She plans to donate these paintings
to a healing facility.
Joanne Turney is the only woman
I know who was married to the same
man for 63 years. Sadly, he died a
few months ago. In her inimitable
spirit she is facing this difficult time
with tremendous courage and credits
her faith for providing the comfort
she needs.
She greets the dawn of each day
with an expression of appreciation
and recites approximately sixty
positive affirmations. A favorite one
of hers is, “I now face all challenges
with gratitude because I know they
are my teachers and they give me
opportunities for positive growth
and gui