What are the similarities and differences between the Tonalist and Luminist art movements?

Tonalism and Luminism are two art movements that emerged in the late 19th century in the United States. While they share some similarities, they differ in their approach to depicting the natural world.

Tonalism

Tonalism is characterized by its subdued, atmospheric qualities. Artists associated with this movement sought to capture the mood and emotion of a scene by using a limited palette of colors and soft, diffuse light. They often painted landscapes that were misty, foggy, or hazy, emphasizing the ethereal qualities of nature. Tonalist paintings often have a dream-like quality, with forms that are subtly suggested rather than clearly defined.

Luminism

Luminism, on the other hand, is characterized by its use of bright, intense light to create an almost photographic realism. Luminist artists sought to capture the effects of light on the natural world, often painting landscapes with clear, crisp details and sharp contrasts between light and dark. They often depicted the natural world in a pristine, almost idealized state, highlighting its beauty and majesty.

Similarities

Despite their differences, Tonalism and Luminism share some similarities. Both movements emphasized the mood and emotional qualities of nature, and both sought to create a sense of unity and harmony between the natural world and the viewer. They also both rejected the highly-detailed, realistic approach to painting that was popular at the time in favor of a more suggestive, impressionistic style.