Some of the miniatures which he painted at this time are said to be very good.

He worked hard, made many good friends, including Benjamin Franklin, and succeeded financially.

He determined to go to Europe to study--if possible under his fellow Pennsylvanian, Benjamin West, then rising into fame in London.

The West and the Fulton families had been intimate, and Fulton hoped that West would take him as a pupil.

First buying a farm for his mother with a part of his savings, he sailed for England in 1786, with forty guineas in his pocket.
West received him not only as a pupil but as a guest in his house and introduced him to many of his friends.