Centuries before European settlers arrived, Native Americans regularly created and had long perfected their decorative pottery works. Possibly the most recognizable pieces we can instantly identify are from the Southwest tribes. Using the natural pigments from locally available plants and minerals, these pottery pieces were decorated with animals, feathers and simple geometric patterns, typically using red, black and cream colors. These beautiful pieces were utilitarian -- as is most decorative art -- and the adornments were spiritual symbols, unique to each tribe.
In the early half of the 19th century, young America cultivated the desire to take ordinary objects and make them really stand out and pop with bright colors and eccentric designs. Daring, and at times silly, these were highly decorative items that were often materialistic "trifles," such as fancy hats, snuff boxes and combs. A perfect example of this style was the invention of the kaleidoscope, an artistic object meant only for gazing at in awe and admiration. American Fancy did lend its imagination to textiles and furniture, but was primarily decorative rather than utilitarian. This popular decorative art style was quickly replaced with the invention of photography in 1830, and with it a national bend toward realism.
An American style of painting popular from 1850 to 1870, luminism was characterized by the effects of natural light and tranquility within landscapes. Unlike impressionism, popular at the same time in France, the approach to luminism was to actually hide any visible brush strokes, rather than celebrate them. Luminist landscapes were often meditative and reflective as they portrayed the skies as serene and calm. This style was favored by many Americans as it was a decorative approach to painting highly stylized landscapes. The bold visuals of American Fancy were softened, yet the viewer was provided a new realism within painting similar to what photography had recently introduced.
At the closing of the 19th century, middle-class America had turned to simplistic designs, very much unlike the busy Victorian details born in England. Bold yet simple lines, solid geometric shapes and pride in craftsmanship and quality were the new style. This was reflected within the architecture, interior design and even outdoor landscaping until the 1930s. As Americans were more commonly educated and the middle class became the majority, many folks became interested in nature and comfort rather than opulence. Perhaps the most famous offshoot from the American Arts and Crafts movement is architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who single-handedly invented the Prairie School of Architecture, which favored blending everyday living with organic surroundings.
Perhaps the most widely recognizable style of decorative American art is the Americana or American folk art style found along the backroads of America -- as far back as the 19th century and at flea markets today. More affordable than a fancy trifle or custom-built home, the average American has always been able to fall in love with the handmade, one-of-a-kind items created by those driven artists who are not academically trained. From quilts to pottery, furniture, sculptures made from trash, and American flags painted on pieces of a wood fence, Americana is absolutely original to its location. Whether serving a utilitarian purpose or proudly exclaiming "Home Sweet Home," American folk art is sometimes considered the epitome of America.