Lesson 1: Basic Stippling Technique/The Art of Stippling
- Sep 5, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
What is STIPPLING? (Dot Drawing/pointillism)
Illusions of shadow
Stippling is an art technique that uses many small dots to create different levels of shading. It is a beautiful and highly detailed drawing technique that creates shading and three-dimensional form using only collections of dots rather than lines. The closer the dots are, the darker and more solid the area looks.
Characteristics and Beauty of Stippling
Created Entirely with Dots:
Instead of using lines, every element of the image is created using individual dots. Small dots placed next to one another visually blend together, creating subtle and vibrant variations in color.
Creating Light and Shadow:
By adjusting the density and size of the dots, artists can create highlights, shadows, and a sense of depth.
A Unique Visual Quality: Watching countless individual dots come together to form an image creates a fascinating visual effect that never gets boring to look at.
Patience and Concentration:
Because every element of the image is built from individual dots, stippling requires an incredible amount of time, patience, and focus. In a way, it can be considered an “impractical yet luxurious form of expression”—its beauty comes partly from the extraordinary amount of time and care invested in the process.
*For this reason, I usually assign it as a 2–4 week project so students have enough time to carefully develop their work.
Stippling was invented around 1510 by Giulio Campagnola, a famous engraving artist. At the time, most artists used lines (hatching and cross-hatching) to create shading. Campagnola discovered that using small dots instead of lines made tone changes look smoother and more natural.
Stippling is often confused with Pointillism because both techniques use dots to create images. However, stippling is usually done with pen and ink and often uses one color. Pointillism, developed in the 1880s by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, uses small dots of different paint colors that blend together when viewed from a distance. This colorful painting style became popular and was later used by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.
The Appeal of Stippling: Why Is It Enjoyable?
Let me tell you what makes stippling so fascinating.
At first, it may seem like a simple and repetitive process, but once you start, it can be surprisingly addictive. 1. A Meditative Experience
Placing dots one by one can have a calming, almost meditative effect. It allows you to forget about everyday stress and simply focus on the process.
Having that inner quiet time to concentrate can be incredibly valuable.
2. A Different Experience Up Close and From a Distance
Up close, you see thousands of individual dots. Step back, and suddenly the whole image comes together.
This contrast between the details and the complete image is one of the most fascinating aspects of stippling.
3. Easy for Anyone to Start
You don't need expensive art supplies or advanced skills to begin. All you need is a pen and some paper, making stippling an accessible technique for anyone who wants to give it a try.
I want to make one thing clear from the very beginning: this technique is not for everyone!
If you don’t enjoy repetitive, detailed work, stippling may not be the right technique for you—and honestly, this class could feel like a very long three hours!
Use today’s worksheet as a chance to find out whether stippling is something you actually enjoy.
If you like activities such as embroidery, detailed drawing, or other kinds of precise, repetitive work, there’s a good chance stippling will be a great fit for you!
Textures you can express with stippling
Stippling has many ways to express. Some good ways are...
Something grainy: Sand, soil, dust, etc.
Something airy: Clouds, sprays, smoke, mist, etc.
Transparent objects: The wings of insects, clear film, blurry, etc.
Other various textures: Velvety, fluffy, shiny, glassy, etc.
Gradient: Emphasize the drastic or subtle change from a darker to a lighter value
Details: Depicting anything that has plenty of delicate, refined details
The more dots are put on the paper, the darker the value becomes. It's that simple yet time-consuming.
You can create the illusion of shadow by gradually layering more and more dots. The more dots you add, the darker the area becomes.
Pay close attention to creating a smooth transition between lighter and darker values. Avoid sudden changes—build up the shading slowly and evenly.
It’s important to train both your eyes and your hand to carefully place new dots in the spaces between the existing ones. This control helps keep your work neat and balanced.
Stippling is all about balancing filled and empty areas to create a harmonious pattern. Start slowly so you can focus on the spacing between your dots and develop consistency.
Now, let’s take a look at some examples of shading created with stippling.
The size of the nib
The pens I recommend the most for stippling and general outlining are the SAKURA Pigma Microns pens.
The quality is fantastic as the very affordable price, and you can mostly buy them at any stores. Here’s a picture of how microns’ dots look like on paper.
The gradation chart below shows changes in value created using different liner sizes: 005, 01, and 03 Micron pens.
Smaller pen tips create tiny dots that produce a smoother, softer, and more delicate texture. Larger pen tips make bigger dots, which create a stronger, rougher, and more noticeable pattern. You can see the differences in texture in the examples below.
Try using pens in several different sizes and pay attention to how each one creates a different texture.
Fine-tip pens are great for creating soft textures and delicate details, while thicker pens are especially useful for darker areas and can save you a lot of time. You can also create more complex shading by layering smaller dots over larger ones.
Trust your eyes, experiment, and see what works best for you.
For a long time, I taught this class by recommending fine pens and subtle, soft shading for objects in the distance. Recently, however, I discovered almost the opposite: using thicker pens for distant areas can sometimes create a more desired result.
But this is not a strict rule. There is no single “correct” way to use stippling. Try different approaches, observe the results, and gradually develop the techniques that work best for your own style.
Let's practice
*Download and print the attached worksheet. 1. Practice Basic Stippling Techniques
Using a pencil and ruler, draw a few small rectangles. You will fill each one with dots.
(1) Even Value Practice Create an even layer of dots using only one pen. Focus carefully on the spacing between the dots—the gaps are just as important as the dots themselves. Try to keep the spacing consistent to create a balanced pattern.
(2) Gradient Practice Using the same pen, create a smooth gradient from light to dark. Start with fewer dots for lighter areas and gradually add more dots as you move toward the darker side. Build up the value slowly to keep the transition smooth.
(3) Dotted Lines Practice Draw lines made entirely of dots. Experiment by changing the spacing between the dots. Some close together, some farther apart—to see how it affects the look and rhythm of the line.
If you have extra time, try using liners of different widths to experiment with larger and smaller dots.
2. Create a Sphere
Draw a circle and fill it with dots to create the illusion of a three-dimensional sphere.Remember to keep one area lighter (where the light hits) and gradually increase the dot density to create shadow and form.
Stippling Tips and Advice
Nuances and Textures Matter The quality of your dots plays a huge role in creating a successful stippling drawing. Small details—like how you hold your pen and how much pressure you use—can greatly affect your final result.
How You Hold Your Pen
Try to hold your pen at about a 90° angle to the paper. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but keep it as straight as possible. If you tilt the pen too much, your dots may look uneven, distorted, or faded instead of clean and round.
The Pressure You Use
Use light, gentle touches when placing your dots. Pressing too hard can distort the shape of the dots, making them look stretched or uneven (almost like tiny tadpoles). Too much pressure can also damage the pen tip and shorten its lifespan.
Patience and Practice
Stippling is a time-consuming technique that requires patience and dedication. Because of the repetitive motion, your hand and eyes may feel tired after a while. Listen to your body and take short breaks when needed.
While working, try to keep your hand relaxed. Tension can affect both your comfort and the quality of your dots.
*Read more tips and mental strategies on this post.
These small exercises are great for developing rhythm and discovering a comfortable drawing speed. For some people, stippling can feel almost meditative—a way to enter a creative “flow” state. For others, it may feel challenging and demanding. Either way, it’s an excellent exercise in focus, control, and patience.
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