Divisionism

A name first used by French artist Paul Signac (1863-1935) for a method of painting with pure color which developed alongside pointillism. Though the beginnings of this style are said to derive from Georges Seurat's masterpiece, "Un dimanche après-midi à l'Île de la La Grande Jatte", which is normally associated with pointillism.

The difference between pointillism and divionism--although often grouped together in a timeline as one in the same--seems to be that divisionism is not limited to primary colors and dots. It also features short brush strokes with varying colors, although the final outcome achieves a similar appearance.

Signac proposed that to achieve the brightest and purest color, all those of the spectrum should be used, applied in small daubs of unmixed pigment which vary according to the size of the painting.

(above image: Self Portrait with Felt Hat by Vincent van Gogh in 1888)