DRAWING 101
Stippling
Module 4 - Introduction
Today, we discover the technique of stippling—a meticulous drawing approach that involves the creation of images through the application of countless small dots. Stippling is a versatile and meditative approach to drawing, offering artists a unique method for capturing texture, form, and depth with remarkable precision and detail.
Stippling: The process of drawing using numerous small dots or specks to create the illusion of a three-dimensional subject.
Module Goal.
This module will introduce and define the technique of stippling. We will discover the origins of this meticulous drawing technique and explore how this method of adding depth takes shape within a composition. When you complete this module, you will be able to explain the history of the technique, differentiate between stippling and pointillism, and be able to apply stippling to your own still-life drawing composition.
Module Objectives.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
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Identify the stippling technique used in a composition. (CO 1)
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Define how stippling is differentiated from pointillism. (CO 1)
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Identify Giulio Campagnola, the artist who invented this technique. (CO 2)
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Examine the stippling technique used by Miguel Endara. (CO 2)
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Demonstrate proper use of the stippling technique by applying to a composition. (CO 3)
Ready to Get Started?
At its core, stippling is a process of mark-making—a delicate dance between light and shadow, density and spacing, patience, and persistence. By varying the size, density, and arrangement of dots, artists can achieve a wide range of effects, from subtle gradients and delicate textures to bold contrasts and intricate patterns. When layering dots varying spacing, artists are able to create the illusion of three-dimensional form and space.
Here is a short video on the basics of stippling.
