Estate Find

Dot Turner, Texan (1915-1990s)

Oil Painting

“Portrait of a Lady”

We offer an impressionistic portrait oil painting of a woman by the Texas artist Dot Turner.

The painting is signed by the artist at the lower right corner. We estimate that the painting dates from the 1970s.

The frame measures 13 1/4” in width and 15” in height. The Masonite board measures 5” in width and 7” in height. The image measures 4 1/2” in width and 6 1/2” in height.

The portrait painting of a Lady by Dot Turner is presented in very good vintage condition.

Dorothy “Dot” Turner

Dot Turner was a prolific artist in Corpus Christi, Texas beginning in the 1950s. She studied under Donald Pierce and the noted watercolorist Eliot O'Hara. From her studio, Dot Turner Studio, she taught many students who became acclaimed South Texas artists including her son Dick Turner who in turn taught a future generation of artists.

In 1961 Dot Turner and Joan Allen completed a wall mural at the new airport titled "The Circle in the Sun" which depicted the local influences of Mexican culture and the iconic King Ranch to oil and gas exploration, fishing, the port, and the Navy.

The mural remained in place until the 1990s when airport construction required the removal. Local art patrons paid for the removal of the 3,000 pound wall and it was stored for fifteen years until a home was found for it at the new Del Mar College campus. When the wall proved too fragile for installation innovative digital photography preserved the image and the full size printed mural is now on view to be enjoyed by future generations.