Which artists apply colors in small brush strokes, making their paintings lively depictions when seen from a distance?

Vincent Van Gogh is a major one. Check out his works. If you want a really popular painting of his, check out "Starry Night" 
Many impressionists did their work this way, so it is often called impressionist art.
Claud Monet, Charles Angrand, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and many many more.
Just look up impressionist artists. :)
Hope this helped!

These traits are all equally important in recognizing the validity of artwork mainly due to an artists' consistent style and reputation which they have developed over a lengthy period of time. most famous paintings contain specific characteristics of the artist who created it. an appraiser would pay close attention to certain key elements within the painting, as well as an accuracy in measurement and color shade. blended textures and outlines are essential in recognizing an authentic piece from a copy. signature and imagery exist in epic proportions to balance out each trait as they coexist in harmony, depending on preference and style of each artist. no two original pieces are virtually identical, although it may be almost impossible to see discrepancy with the naked eye.