Timothy Spall spent four years learning to paint for his role in “Mr. Turner”

In a new interview with TV3, Timothy Spall (who portrayed the traitorous Petter Pettigrew in the Potter series) confessed that it took him years to prepare for his role as artist J.M.W. Turner in his newest film, Mr. Turner.

Spall spent four years learning to paint because he was required to recreate Turner’s oil paintings. Spall was also able to keep one of his paintings, saying,

It’s actually on my wall at home now.

Spall also spoke about his character, stating,

He was a most unusual man – the last person, if you met him in the street, that you could imagine becoming one of the greatest artists we have ever known.

At least Spall’s dedication is paying off. As we reported back in May, he won the Best Actor gong at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for his role in Mr. Turner.

Mr. Turner will be released in UK theaters later this year.