Britain's Greatest Artist : JMW Turner

The Slave Ship by W.M. Turner (1840)

Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) was an artist ahead of his time. By a long way. Looking at his paintings one is tempted to say that he was an impressionist yet his work predated the impressionists. Turner took his own path and shocked the established artists with his extraordinary use of colour. 

Turner's use of colour Is both expressive and romantic, but not in the classical sense. He used colour in a way that would leave the viewer enthralled, moved and even shocked. Never indifferent. No doubt Turner did inspire impressionist painters who noted that Turner painted atmosphere and not simply objects. The air became the subject and this was a trait followed by many impressionist painters.

Take the above painting, The Slave Ship, for an example. The painting depicts a true event where slaves are thrown overboard a ship. Nature seems to be appalled by the deed. The red sky, tumult in the sea and the approaching typhoon all add up to a dramatic scene. The ship and the people are very small compared to the environment. Clearly Turner felt that mankind's actions were an affront to nature.

Rain, Steam and Speed - The Great Western Railway (1844)

In Rain, Steam and Speed Turner depicts the symbol of industrialisation. The Steam Train as it ploughs through the atmosphere like an awful fire breathing creature. Industrialisation would change the landscape and our lives forever.

Notice the vigour of brushwork, layers of paint and unusual (for the time) paint techniques like scumbling. It is very modern for the time and would be at home in a contemporary gallery today. 

Turner's influence would go further than the impressionists. His influence continues to this day and for this reason he is probably the greatest British painter.

Look out for the new movie Mr Turner launching this month. This should be a fascinating film showing us the life of artists in the 19th century.