Risto Turunen's career as a professional artist and illustrator began after graduating from a specialized high school commercial
art program, entering the workforce as a layout and illustration artist at the Toronto Sun. After a short stint there, he worked for
a decade creating larger-scale oil and mixed media paintings. Represented by Toronto’s Nancy Poole’s Studio, his art sold to
collectors across the continent.

Eventually his main focus shifted to freelance illustration, working for the advertising, editorial, institutional and publishing fields
as well as taking on the occasional mural commission. Based out of London, Ontario his illustrations varied widely in style and
medium to meet the eclectic needs of the local market. Together his art and illustrations have won several awards along with
the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant.

Risto's most significant creations (with the assistance of his wife) are four beautiful daughters. He lives in Peterborough, Ontario.