During the 1890’s there was an explosion of artwork in the style of Tonalism. This style is a unique style because it only consists of pure
landscaping and people living their normal lives. Examples of this style can be seen in most pieces that were painted by George Inness, and James McNeill. These styles also are known for their dark, neutral hues, such as grey, brown or blues.
The artistic styles of the decade were Tonalistic and that style was the most prominent during the 1890’s. The artwork that was painted back in those days was primarily about landscaping and paintings of people during their daily lives. The artwork in the time was hypothesized of coming from earlier French styles that came over to the United States through immigration. The paintings are also known for showing mood and shadow, but mostly the art made you think. The reason why it makes you think is because of when you see open terrain it makes you relax and imagine what you could possibly do with all the land. 
One famous artist of the time that painted these types of paintings was George Inness. When Inness painted he hoped that he would be able to capture peoples feelings and emotions. Inness was born in Newburgh, New York, and died in Scotland. He lived from May 1, 1825 all the way to July 17, 1903. He was one of the most famous artists to represent t
he Tonalistic period of the 1809”s.
Another artist who appeared during the 1890’s was James Abbott McNeill Whistler. He, just like Inness practiced the Tonalistic style of painting. He was born on July 11, 1834 and lived all the way till July 17, 1903. McNeill was an American born man, yet British based when it came down to painting. Most of his paintings were portraits of people, creatures, or some other living thing.
Most paintings back then in the Tonal age where paintings of landscapes and people. This style captured people in many ways including imaginative, peacefulness, and harmonistic ideals. Though a lot of those styles of art would be lost do to the First World War. The reason for that is because people’s ideals changed because of death and misery. This brought a new style of artwork to the American society.
Bibliography:
"1890's", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonalism
"James McNeill", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_McNeill_Whistler
"George Inness", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Inness
"Pictures", http://images.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi