Born in London, England, Joseph Turner, known commonly as J.M.W. Turner, became one of the 19th centuries most famous painters in England and Europe of landscapes, skyscapes and seascapes. He is regarded as one of the promulgators of English watercolor landscape painting, but he also painted in oil. Unique to him was a special treatment of light, which conveyed atmosphere, mood, and romantic feelings.

Turner came from a working class family, supported by his father who was a barber. His mother died when he was very young, and he did not have much formal schooling although his father taught him to read. His art talent was obvious, and by the age of 13 he was making drawings at home and exhibiting...