PSAT/NMSQT Practice Exam

Pointillism is a painting method that uses small, distinct dots of color applied in patterns to form an image. The key idea is that colors are left as pure dots and the eye blends them when viewed from a distance, creating new tones without physically mixing the pigments on the palette. This gives a luminous, shimmering effect as colors interact optically.

The description in this statement captures that technique exactly: tiny colored dots arranged to compose the whole image. It emphasizes the reliance on separated color spots rather than blended brushstrokes, texture, carving, or grayscale shading. The other descriptions point to different approaches—thick, textured brushwork; carved lines in a surface; or shading that fades smoothly without dot-based color construction.