The Fighting Temeraire by J M W Turner
Norham Castle, Sunrise circa 1845 Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851
100TH Post Coming SOON (this is 98th)
How I became an artist.
Upon leaving school I qualified as a Mechanical Engineer but it did not FEEL right. So a search began for what did. Then one wet, cold night in New Zealand I was so profoundly affected after seeing a TV documentary on the life of English landscape/seascape painter and visionary artist ….J. M. W. Turner….called The Sun Is God. A light turned ON inside me and I committed to becoming an artist even though I had no idea of what was involved. It has been an amazing journey ever since with not one moment of regret.
Of the many thousands of artworks I love, the above by Turner is a real favorite.
I have often wondered why I like it so much. Maybe because it captures so beautifully the delicate transition between the real and the ethereal or maybe the high key colors. Also could it be because he has reduced the image to it’s essence? Light? Any comments?
This was his crowning vision after a lifetime of study, reflection and creating some of the most awesome and dramatic landscapes/seascapes ever. His legacy has been enormous touching the hearts, minds and spirits of people from all over the world.
Like another of my inspirations …. Vincent Van Gogh, what a great contribution to Mankind.
BURGESSART 
Again thanks for bringing us Turner. What a painter of light. I used to paint a bit similar and people loved that semi reality.But I changed to experimental art. Viva Turner. RLTE
Silvia your Experimental Art is wonderful………but more importantly it is who you are. I have never wanted to paint like Turner although I love his art. I was inspired by his LIFE!…..what he achieved, his unique vision, his major contribution, his passion and energy, his truth and love for what he did.
I believe we all have something very special and totally unique to contribute to this world…….. no matter how small and insignificant or how grand it might be. As long as it is who we are. We can do no better. Viva Silvia!!!!
Pure light!…goes stright to your brain and into your heart, you just have to embrace it! Turner, one of my very first and alltime favorites.
Hi Norunn, Me too. Another very different but modern painter of light is Sean Scully. His work has a very powerful presence in a room. Any suggestions? Best wishes, Robert
I too like Turner but it is van Gogh who will always have my heart.
Hi Linda, Your right……..Vincent is hard to beat.