Oil painter Roma Turoff creates vibrant, lush scenes of the natural beauty that surrounds our region and the world. “I’ve studied under painters who lean toward impressionism and have always admired artwork that depicts this style,” Turoff explains. “The looseness, boldness and vividness of the colors they used were major influences on which direction I wanted to pursue.” With each finished piece, it’s her goal to create relatable art that makes viewers happy. Peruse Turoff’s paintings next month at Placerville Arts Association’s Studio Tour and at Harris Center’s Bank of America Gallery, in addition to Visionary Realty Group in El Dorado Hills.

 

HLB: How has your artwork progressed? 

RT: I grew up in India, and as a child and young adult, I worked with watercolors, since that’s all that was available to us at the time. Throughout college and most of my working life, I couldn’t pursue painting, [but] I knew I’d pick it up later. While living and working in Arizona, I started painting again. [After] I moved to El Dorado Hills, I studied under Anita Wolff, a well-known impressionist painter who’s had a great impact on my work. I continue to take further instruction and attend workshops.

HLB: What’s the most valuable artistic advice you’ve been given?  

RT: To paint what I enjoy painting and be true to myself. Also, devote sufficient time to improving my technique.

HLB: How do you interpret the inspiration you find in nature, AND DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SPOTS TO VISIT FOR THIS?  

RT: When I look around at all the beauty and lush colors surrounding us, I’m in awe. I love painting landscapes and florals that reflect this beauty, [and hope] the people who see my artwork appreciate it like I do. One doesn’t have to travel far, as this area has a lot to offer artists. I’ve painted the hills, lakes and streams around here during the various seasons. We also have some of the most beautiful trees, and I love painting landscapes that revolve around them. I like visiting Hope Valley and the Sierras in the fall to take in the flamboyant colors.

HLB: How do you overcome setbacks? 

RT: Sometimes the fear of not being able to capture the subject matter and do it justice holds me back, but it generally works out if I just go for it.

HLB: If you could GO any WHERE in the world to paint, where would you go? 

RT: My visit to Provence, France, left me breathless, and I’d like to go back to Giverny, France, and the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany in Italy, because of each area’s unique characteristics.   

romaturoffart.com