Artist research- J.M.W. Turner

 Artist research  J.M.W. Turner

I am interested in the work by J.M.W. Turner because of his powerful use of blue and yellow throughout his work caught my attention. I am drawn to the way he places cool blues against warm yellows to create atmosphere and emotion rather than simply describing a landscape. His paintings often feel filled with light and movement, where colour becomes more important than fine detail. This connects strongly to my own interest in expressive abstraction and responding to mood rather than realism.

Norham Castle, on the River Tweed,  c1822

The Blue Rigi, 1842

Turner’s work shows how colour can carry feeling. The contrast between blue and yellow creates depth, tension and warmth all at once. In my own practice, especially when responding to music, I want to explore how these two colours can translate emotion onto the surface. Studying Turner may help me understand how to balance cool and warm tones, and how light can be suggested through colour layering rather than precise drawing. I admire this skill as it is something I have not been able to do myself to my liking yet. His approach encourages me to think beyond representation and focus more on atmosphere and emotional impact.

Interior of a Church, c. 1799–1800

The River (or Lake) of Lucerne, c.1842–45