Jessica Yin on J. M. W. Turner

§ September 23rd, 2008 § Filed under Turner

1. The Shipwreck, 1805

I see Turner using light to focus in on the shipwreck. The darkness of the colors are indicating doom. The white tips of the waves bring focus in on the center of the painting.

2.Fisherman at Sea, 1796

This painting depicts beautiful moonight imagery. Turner uses a nice blending of colors to make a break in the clouds. I like his use of light colors to accentuate the lantern and its warmth and glow.

3. Kilchurn Castle, Scotland, with a Rainbow

I like how at first glance the rainbow seems to be made of many colors, yet at second glance Turner really only uses one primary color (white) to create light and the different shades of the rainbow.

4. Temple of Jupiter Panellenius, Restored

It is paradoxical that Turner actually uses dark colors to make things seem transparent. The lighter colors make the distance seem farther and the temple is made ethereal.

5. Snowstorm, 1842

I see the sun through the darkness of the waves. The waves are powerful; overtaking the sun. There is a sharply defined contrast between light and dark.

6.Norham Castle at Sunrise, 1845

I really enjoy the soft light emitted through the painting, almost making invisibility a strong factor.

7.The Field of Waterloo, 1818

This painting depicts amazing artistry. I see a burning structure. I see a white light cutting through the darkness and shining light upon the destruction. Turner’s use of reds to show bloodshed & war make a strong impact on me. I really like how you can’t make out the difference between the clouds and smoke. The baby in the center of the bodies seems inspirational. To me, it symbolizes hope & rebirth

8. The Battle of Trafalgar, 1806 and 1823-24

My first impression of this painting is that the color schemes Turner chose to use are alot lighter than his norm. I see turmoil and conflict, with the colors blurred to show chaos. Turner seems to be concentrating mode on the grandeur of the ships rather than the battle occurring on them.

9. The Decline of the Carthaginian Empire

Though this is a bleak scene, Turner is able to contrast it by using relatively light colors. This is a very beautiful painting. The water is amazing because it is the cause of destruction, yet it is so beautiful and serene.

10. Mortlake Terrace, 1827

I see the beautiful browns and greens Turner uses to show Autumn. I see the beautiful sunset and the calm water. The sunlight is glowing through the treetops and the landscape emits a countryside ambience. The landscape seems continuous. Overall, this is a very warm picture.

11. Disaster at Sea, 1833-35

This is a very abstract painting and the yellows at the top of it make it seem unfinished. Turner shows disaster by using a multitude of colors that normally wouldn’t blend well together. This un-harmonious blending of colors places emphasis on chaos. In this painting, the water seems to represent anger. I also see the people fused with the sea.

12. Sunrise with Sea Monsters, 1840-1845

I’m really confused about this painting because I can’t make out any monsters. All I see is a mass of colors and something that resembles a face.

13. The Burning of he House of Lords and Commons, 1835

I see the castle lit up, making it look almost illuminated by the fire. I can feel the heat emitting from the strength of the red colors Turner chooses to use. The reflection of flames in the water are painted beautifully. The men are helpless against the water.