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Welcome to Polly's Blog
Watercolour, humour, this and that

Sunday 16 March 2014

POLLY'S FIGHTING TEMERAIRE

Been neglecting my lovely bloggers, and here's the reason why.  I have been engrossed in a Labour of Love. I bought a canvas 2 yrs ago with the aim of trying to paint my very favourite painting - Turner's The Fighting Temeraire.  It has taken me 2 years to pluck up the courage to attempt it.  You see, every time I go to London I spend ages just sitting soaking in this beautiful painting.  I would love to buy it, but it's not for sale! So, I thought I want to see it every day, so why don't I do one for myself.

I very rarely paint in oils, so painting dark to light was difficult.  I used water soluble paints (no turps or lineseed mess) and an imperial size canvas.  I had forgotten you have to wait for each layer to dry, so I had to be patient (difficult for me).  I ran off in four pieces the painting from the National Gallery for copying. I loved looking at every brush stroke of Turner's, trying to see how he painted. Wondering at the colours, the imagination.  I suspect using his finger a lot and sweeping strokes then tiny delicate brush strokes.

Now I soaked in the painting, enjoying every brush stroke, mixing juicy colours with care.  Sometimes I painted a large area, sometimes just a few strokes at a time.  I enjoyed every second.  I wanted to do the very best I could.


The only thing I may change is the sky over the sun, which is too dark.  Otherwise it is better than I could have hoped.  I am so relieved and pleased.  Now I can see it every day.  I can't wait to go to London and see it in pure light and all it's glory.

I want to have it with me when I go to  arty heaven, so that I can show it to Turner, and he can give me a critique of his painting, that I painted from the heart.  Now wouldn't that be something.


33 comments:

  1. What a fine job you did with this painting Polly! Really beautiful! I'm sure Turner would ask for more. :)

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    1. Thank you Helen, and thank you for popping by

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  2. The emotion you have used in painting what is so special to you Polly has not only produced a beautiful result but your narrative too is overflowing with pride and emotion just as it should be.

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    1. Yes, I am pleased inside and still keep looking at at can't believe I've actually done it. Thank you

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  3. You did amazingly well Polly and you are rightly satisfied ,I'm sure Turner is nodding in praise from up there :-)

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  4. Hi Polly.. you really are extraordinary!! This painting is wonderful especially when you don't paint in oils, but even if you did paint in oils still a remarkable achievement to behold!!! Just don't know how you did it.... it is a stunning piece and you are so right to be exceedingly proud of what you have created here. I understand your sense of loss but relief at finishing it, such a labour of love and such a build up for 2 years... and now you can see it every day and think "I did that!!" You never cease to amaze Polly!!

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    1. Judith, I don't know how I did it. It kinda happened but with a lot of patience. Thanks for your kind words and for following me.

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  5. Oh Polly what a joy to read your narrative! Emotion and pride just bursting from the page! You really have excelled yourself here - now do you believe how talented you are??? I hope so! See you later xx

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    1. Thank you Sharon! I'm so relieved that I did it. Just been looking at it and thinking - did I do that. Was lovely to meet you today and it was wonderful to share our thoughts on the brilliant Turner exhibition at the Lady Lever. Thanks for a lovely few hours

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  6. Lovely to read this piece Polly and to feel the love you have for Turners work and that way you were inspired by it. You've made a great painting! And I'm sure that looking so closely and lovingly at it for so long will have really increased your appreciation of not only Turner's work but of oil painting in general, tones, colours, composition and so on. And most importantly you enjoyed yourself and had fun. Be proud indeed!

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    1. It certainly has heightened my appreciation of his work. Working out how he used his brushes was fascinating and how cleverly balanced it was. No area was boring however small. I am really pleased i tried to emulate this painting and thank you for taking the time to comment

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  7. full of admiration for you Polly :)

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  8. I think you did a fantastic job on this!

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  9. Ah Polly - this is fabulous...I can see why you would want this painting hanging in your home. Congratulations in recreating a beautiful piece. Hmmm - hope Turner gives you a good critique!! (LOL)

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    1. Thanks Debbie. To me it has everything I love in a painting. I am just pleased to have done a reasonable likeness and enjoying it in the process

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  10. Wonderfull paintings!! I enjoyes visiting your blog. Felicitaciones.

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  11. Oh Polly, you are so brave, and such a wonderful result! The colours are glowing!

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    1. Thank you Judy, sooo nice of you to comment, glad you like it

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  12. You did an incredible job and I can imagine how even closer you feel to your favorite painting! Beautiful sentiments too!

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  13. Thank you Celia. Will be amazing to see it in real life and see how I really did.

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  14. this is wonderful....! Congratulations!

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  15. I loved this painting and the love with which you painted. I followed its history on facebook and I am on the blog to congratulate your great skill.
    Of course if you meet Turner .... I hope it is as late as possible, but I think he is happy of your passionate work!

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    1. Rita, thank you for following the journey with me trying to paint Turner's magical painting. I still look at it and can't believe I have painted it after all this time. It's been especially rewarding having comments, such as yours, which make it even more special. xx

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  16. Fantastic painting! Turner should be pleased :-)

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  17. oh, Polly, sooooo coooool! let me know what Turner will say, if i'm in a heaven or a ...?!? gulp.
    xxx wink, wink, sadami

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