Alexander Mayer

I think the term “Luminism" is valid for the paintings of Martin Johnson Heade. The main thing
that stands out to me about these works is the contrast and reflection of lighting. In almost all of
his paintings, there seems to be a central focal point of lighting surrounded by darker areas. It
really brings the depth and the different features out in each painting. Another feature, related to
this, is the often clarity of the foreground and lack of clarity in the distance. In his Orchid and
Hummingbird, the orchid and hummingbird in the foreground are very clear and detailed with
lots of color, while the background as it appears further away is less clear and more washed,
much as how the light would appear to our eyes. Approaching Thunder Storm is another example
of this, as most of the painting such as the water, the clouds, and the land in the distance are dark
and not as distinct as the closest land from the painter/viewer’s point of view. We can see the
much lighter colored land with the man and dog very distinct, while this clarity is lost the further
out you look. This focus on clarity and lighting in my opinion is deserving of the term
“Luminism”.