J. M. W. Turner, one of the most significant artists in Western art history, was born in 1775 in Covent Garden, London; he was one of the most productive British painters. Turner’s breakthrough approach to landscape painting is well known.

Turner’s early work was influenced by the Romantic movement, including paintings that captured nature’s sublime power and the beauty of the British countryside. He went on to create more radical forms of experimental and avant-garde work that sought to expand the limits of artistic expression.

Some of Turner’s best-known masterpieces are “The Fighting Temeraire,” “Rain, Steam and Speed,” and “The Slave Ship.” His paintings include maritime scenes, seascapes, and landscapes, always perfectly punctuated with a movement and dynamism that drove over a generation ahead.

Now, despite criticism and controversy throughout his life, Turner’s place as one of the world’s greatest landscape painters is unquestioned. His works remain a source of inspiration for many and have given countless hours of international enjoyment, giving true immortal status as an inspiration on art in general.

J. M. W. Turner Quotes

1. “I know of no genius but the genius of hard work.”
— J. M. W. Turner

2. “It is only when we are no longer fearful that we begin to create.”
— J. M. W. Turner

3. “Light is therefore color.”
— J. M. W. Turner

4. “There’s a sketch at every turn.”
— J. M. W. Turner

5. “I don’t paint so that people will understand me, I paint to show what a particular scene looks like.”
— J. M. W. Turner

6. “It is necessary to mark the greater from the lesser truth: namely the larger and more liberal idea of nature from the comparatively narrow and confined; namely that which addresses itself to the imagination from that which is solely addressed to the eye.”
— J. M. W. Turner

7. “To select, combine and concentrate that which is beautiful in nature and admirable in art is as much the business of the landscape painter in his line as in the other departments of art.”
— J. M. W. Turner

8. “Painting can never show her nose in company with architecture but to have it snubbed.”
— J. M. W. Turner

9. “I hate married men. They never make any sacrifices to the arts, but are always thinking of their duties to their wives and families or some rubbish of that sort.”
— J. M. W. Turner

10. “If I could find anything blacker than black, I’d use it.”
— J. M. W. Turner

11. “My job is to paint what I see, not what I know.”
— J. M. W. Turner

12. “Painting is a strange business.”
— J. M. W. Turner

In Words and Art, Turner’s Legacy

Turner’s works inspire awe to this day, but his words provide a lens into his artistic vision and personality. They also document a man intently aware of natural forces and dedicated to extending the possibilities of artistic expression. And now, ranging his use of light, color, and form, he has secured his stature as a ratifying force in the history of art.

Navigate Turner’s works, meditate on his maxims and take this moment in time as a reminder of the liberating power of art and the elegance of the natural world around you.

How did you like these quotes? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments and share which Turner you connect with the most!