J.M.W.Turner: Fishermen at Sea, 1795 Tate Gallery.  The Cholmeley Sea Piece

Turner's first oil painting, Fishermen at Sea 1796, Tate Gallery. Was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1796. The depiction of the sea  demonstrates a mastery of both particulars and generalities and contrast between the turbulent waters of the Solvent and the calmer waters of the English Channel beyond the Needles. The night effect was influenced by Joseph Wright of Derby's moonlight scenes. From this first attempt at oil painting Turner goes on to paint his most important  works, although he still extensively used watercolour, especially on his sketching tours.