Emulation of Turner’s work with Abstract Art Photography
Joseph Turner, Britain’s famous artist, gave around 30,000 pieces of art to the Nation for us to appreciate his artistic capabilities.
He was a complete genius at painting the elements. His work has inspired me to take a series of photographs that depict light on water in its many guises, to try and emulate his unique style.
A recent visit to Tate Britain allowed me to look more closely at his phenomenal skill at capturing the force of sea waves. For example, please see this stunning piece of art called “Fishermen At Sea Off The Needles” first exhibited in 1796 (he was only 21 when he painted this). The sense of movement in the water is breath taking:
Turner used a mixture of art materials for the effects he wanted. His use of colour and gouache (a type of paint made from pigments bound in water-soluble gum, like watercolour, but with the addition of white pigment in order to make it opaque) allowed him to explore dramatic scenes like this painting.
‘Stormy Sea’ Painting JWM Turner 1830 above.
‘Rushing Water’ abstract art photograph inspired by Turner’s style:
Mastering the movement of water, through painting and sketching, meant research. Turner took this to the limits. He requested to be tied to the mast of a ship, in order to prevent himself from being thrown overboard during a sea storm in 1842. Ultimately it was so he could experience the torrent of a storm from a ship, thereby obtaining insights into the movement of water.
‘Water in Turmoil’ – Abstract Art Photograph
Turner always lived close to the river Thames, probably because he loved experiencing the movement and reflective quality that water gives us.
Following on from the admiration of his work, I have recently taken some photographs that show both the power and light that water has.
‘White Water Swell’ another abstract art photograph
Please note waves turning in the mid left
