J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours

This study of a wispy cirrus cloud appears to have been achieved by first ‘rubbing out’ an area of grey watercolour wash at centre in order to reveal the original whiteness of the paper. This technique of Turner’s involved using soft materials such as blotting paper balled together, small chunks of stale bread or a clean brush washed out with water to rub out pigment to create a highlight. The cloud is given a little more depth by the addition of chalk and daubs of a darker grey wash around its mass.

Verso:

Inscribed in pencil by Turner ‘P[...] | Puffs or’