Styles & Periods

• Artists
• Styles & Periods
• Associations
• Glossary
• Projects
• Purchase Guides

Tonalism

Tonalism was a style found in American painting of the late 19th century which often emphasized the atmospheric and ambient conditions of a scene. Related to the development of the observations of light of the Impressionists a few years later, Tonalists, such as George Inness, depicted nature in a soft, subjective manner, apparently removed from the grand statements in landscape of the Hudson River Painters before him. Intimate and delicate tableaus typify his work. Much of James McNeill Whistler's work also typifies the Tonalist style, notably Nocturne in Black and Gold, the Falling Rocket. Pictorial photographers a few decades later adopted the ideals of the Tonalist artists. No longer interested in documentary photography, Alfred Stieglitz pioneered an expressive style of photography that emulated paintings with soft focus, resulting in sentimental prints.

Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

Up to 35% Off Sketching Pads by Winsor & Newton Sketch and Draw with all dry media and techniques	From $5.09 Eight Well Eight Slant Palette by Jack Richeson Perfect gift for the professional	Up to 30% Off Brushes by Bob Ross Start painting happy little clouds today
Up to 27% Off Aquash Water Brush by Pentel Great for blending all water-based media!	Up to 43% Off Performance Series Layout Bond Pads by Strathmore Experiment affordably with Strathmore	Up to 54% Off B-800 Finest White Synthetic Round Brushes in Canister by Dynasty Ideal for classrooms