Sea Breaking on Stony Cliffs at Left 

James Ward created this watercolor seascape using paper, pigment, and water. All humble materials, but they come together to give us a glimpse into the awesome, sublime power of nature. Ward's process really highlights the qualities inherent in watercolor painting. The thin washes of diluted pigment, capture the misty atmosphere and the churning energy of the sea. Notice how the paper's texture interacts with the watercolor, creating subtle variations in tone and depth. But while it might seem effortless, this kind of evocative painting actually requires a high degree of control. The way Ward builds up the layers of color suggests that the Romantic artist had to be attuned to the ever-changing weather. Ultimately, this work speaks to the artist’s own labor. Ward transforms the raw materials into something more. In doing so, he elevates his own status as a skilled artist and the work he is making into something more precious.