Final answer:
The term used to describe the merging of juxtaposed dots or strokes of pure colors seen from a distance to produce a luminous hue in painting is known as Pointillism. This technique, developed during the Neo-Impressionist movement, relies on the viewer's eye to blend the dots of pure, complementary colors, thereby creating vibrant and luminous effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Pointillism in Painting
Pointillism is a technique of painting where tiny dots or strokes of pure colors are applied in close proximity to each other. This method relies on the ability of the viewer's eye to blend these individual dots from a distance, creating a cohesive image with potentially more vibrant hues than traditional mixed pigments. The idea is that juxtaposed complementary colors will optically merge to produce a more luminous and dynamic effect. This distinctive approach was developed during the Neo-Impressionist movement of the late 19th century, most notably by artists such as Georges Seurat and Paul Signac.
Instead of mixing colors on a palette, Pointillism places pure color dots side-by-side on the canvas. As a result, at a closer range, these dots are visibly separate, but as the viewer steps back, these dots visually mix to give off the illusion of mixed color, creating a luminous effect that captures the intricacies of natural light.
Impressionist painters emphasized using a light-colored background, typically white, to enhance the brightness and intensity of colors. When complementary colors are juxtaposed in Pointillism, rather than mixing to a dull hue, they intensify each other, providing the artwork with a lively, radiant quality. It's an innovative way to capture the influence of light, reflecting the vividness of the sun, water, and other environmental elements.