The great English landscape artist JMW Turner who died in 1851 isn’t normally known as a great surf artist. Understandably, he isn’t thought to have ever ventured onto anything like a surfboard or bellyboard or have featured in Britain’s surfing history.
But he undoubtedly had a good eye for the shape of a wave and the ocean in general. The featured picture captures that scary moment just before a close-out and a close encounter with the shingle.
This detailed article in the Guardian is a succulent taster for an exhibition of Turner’s seascapes and sketches at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich which runs until 21st April 2014. It contains a mesmerising account of how Turner could capture the essence of a seascape with a wash of colour and a few deft brushstrokes.
His vision is a remarkably accurate portrayal of what we as surfers are privileged to witness every time we venture into the briny.
