On Becoming an Artist

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.