The Landscape and Feelings: Luminism

"What a landscape painter wants to render is not the natural landscape, but the state of feeling which the landscape produces in himself."

Morning Beach 48x30 2016 available on UGallery.com

When recently asked how my art might compare to the work of — or be influenced by — the 19th century Luminist artists, I had a vague idea, but after doing some Google/Wiki research, I found we have much in common!

Luminism is an American landscape painting style of the 1850s – 1870s, characterized by effects of light on the landscape, an aerial perspective and a smooth surface concealing brushstrokes. Luminist landscapes emphasize tranquility and often depict calm, reflective water and a soft, hazy sky — offering a ‘poetic experience of nature’ or ‘a contemplative perception of nature’.

View of the Shrewsbury River 12x20 1859 John Frederick Kensett

Commonality Among Artists, 157 Years Apart: Our paintings share the same intentions—to reach the viewer and be a calming influence on their mood.

NancyHughesMiller.com

Marsh Paintings on NancyHughesMiller.com

Marsh Blues III oil on canvas 36x36x1.5 by Nancy Hughes Miller

available through the artist:

info@nancyhughesmiller.com 

Marsh Paintings

I have a love for my native North Carolina's barrier islands— but not just for their sandy beaches. Relaxing and soothing to view are their tidal, salt marshes—vast wetlands, separating the islands from the mainland. Especially inspiring in mid-summer, the marsh grasses turn brilliant yellow-green. Combined with varying colors in the sky and water, this color is featured in my marsh paintings. Colorful scenes of inlet waters winding to the ocean or large clouds on the horizon, I hope my art brings a calming influence to the viewer’s mood, the way this landscape affects me. 

on my new website
NancyHughesMiller.com