Lake Albano, Italy 

Joseph Mallord William Turner made this watercolor painting of Lake Albano, Italy. Turner's watercolors are all about the inherent qualities of the medium. The use of translucent washes allows light to penetrate and reflect, creating luminosity, and the fluidity of watercolor is evident in the soft gradations and atmospheric effects. Turner often explored innovative techniques, such as blotting, scratching, and sponging to create texture and depth. The portability of watercolors allowed Turner to capture fleeting moments and impressions of the landscape en plein air. This was a key aspect of the Picturesque movement, which focused on the aesthetic appreciation of nature. The apparent ease of watercolor can be deceptive; Turner’s virtuosity was hard-won. By understanding the material qualities of watercolor and the skilled traditions the artist engaged with, we can appreciate the amount of labor involved in the production process, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.