J.M.W. Turner

Visual Arts British 1775 – 1851 98 quotes

A Romantic landscape painter, he is known as 'the painter of light' for his expressive use of color and atmospheric effects, anticipating Impressionism.

Quotes by J.M.W. Turner

My aim is to paint light, not objects.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The true artist is a student of nature.

Lectures on Perspective 1811

I have no rules, I paint as I feel.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The artist's imagination is his greatest tool.

Lectures on Perspective 1811

I am a painter of effects.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The power of art lies in its ability to move the soul.

Lectures on Perspective 1811

I paint what I love.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The artist must be a master of his craft.

Lectures on Perspective 1811

My pictures are not for sale, they are for the nation.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The true beauty of nature is in its changeability.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

I am a man of few words, but many colours.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The artist's mission is to reveal the hidden beauty of the world.

Lectures on Perspective 1811

I paint with my soul.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The greatest art is that which inspires the greatest emotion.

Lectures on Perspective 1811

I am a worshipper of light.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The artist must be a visionary.

Lectures on Perspective 1811

My art is my life.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The true artist sees beyond the surface.

Lectures on Perspective 1811

I paint with fire.

Reported by a contemporary 1840

The artist's hand is but a tool for his mind.

Lectures on Perspective 1811