 He devoted himself for some time to watercolour painting, probably because of the influence of the work of J S Cotman (an important Norwich School artist), and in 1843 was elected a member of the New Watercolour Society.He continued, however, to exhibit at the Royal Academy, and preferring painting in oil, eventually resigned his membership of the Watercolour Society.He was a frequent contributor to the chief exhibitions up to his death, and his works were always greatly admired.