J. M. W. Turner (1775 - 1851) England. Watercolor on Paper. Measure 4"in H x 5 3/4"in W and 7 1/2"in H x 9 1/2"in W with frame. Known for: Romantic landscape, skyscape and seascape painting. Name variants: Joseph Mallord William Turner. 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. He was elected an associate of the Royal Academy, and when he was age 27 in 1802, he became a full member. He then began traveling widely in Europe, especially to Venice, which became the inspiration for many paintings regarded as his finest. With age, Turner became an eccentric. He lived with his father for 30 years and had few friends and was highly reclusive when painting. For months, he would disappear from sight outside his home, and although he exhibited his work, he often refused to sell it. If one did sell, he suffered depressions for days afterward. His last exhibition was in 1850. A year later he disappeared from his home and was found hiding in a house in Chelsea. He died the following day, December 19, 1851.