Which art movement is characterized by small brushstrokes and pure color?

Impressionism is characterized by its use of small, quick brushstrokes and a focus on the effects of light and color. Artists of this movement sought to capture fleeting moments and the changing qualities of light in their depictions of everyday scenes, landscapes, and people. They often used pure, unmixed colors applied directly to the canvas, allowing the viewer's eye to blend the colors optically from a distance. This technique resulted in a vibrant impression of the scene rather than a detailed, realistic representation.

Impressionist artists, such as Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, emphasized the natural beauty of their subjects and experimented with how colors interacted in light. This approach was a significant departure from the more formal techniques of earlier art movements, which often focused on meticulous detail and realistic representation. Overall, Impressionism revolutionized the way artists approached color and light, making it a pivotal movement in the history of art.