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.
