Final answer:
Broken colour is a technique where colors are applied separately to create a fragmented effect. In The Starry Night, van Gogh used broken colour to depict swirling patterns and vibrant colors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Broken colour is a technique used in art where colors are applied to a canvas in small, separate strokes instead of being mixed together. It creates a fragmented and vibrant effect, as each stroke of color remains distinct. In Vincent van Gogh's famous painting, The Starry Night, he used broken colour to depict the swirling patterns in the sky, the glowing stars, and the shadowy cypress trees. The short brushstrokes and thick pigments in the painting contribute to its dramatic and energetic atmosphere.