What's the difference between realism and naturalism?

Question

What's the difference between realism and naturalism?

Answer 1

Go with Jd!

Answer 2

something can be realistic AND naturalistic.

but something naturalistic does not have to be realistic.

realistic - true to life.  something about real life.  oftentimes something harsh or unpleasant about life.

naturalistic - true to nature.  looks natural.  looks (yes i hate to say it but) real.

you can draw a naturalistic scene of a totally fantastical scenario - you can make everything in it look 'natural'.

generally, at least in art, 'realism' is associated with harsh realities.  it does not have to mean that something 'looks real' but it often does - it is often more likely to show things in ALL their 'realness', warts and all, as they say.  it does not flatter.

naturalism can flatter.

it's a really fine line but that's the way i understand it.