What is stipling?

Stippling is a drawing and painting technique where a pattern of small dots or strokes are used to create shading, texture, or tonal variation in an artwork. The dots or strokes can be placed closer together or further apart to create the illusion of darker or lighter areas.

This technique is commonly used in various art mediums such as pen and ink, pencil drawing, painting, and even tattooing. It is often used in black and white illustrations due to its ability to create a wide range of values without relying on graphite or charcoal.

Stippling requires a steady hand and a lot of patience, as it can be a time-consuming process. However, it can produce beautiful and highly detailed artworks that have a unique texture and depth.

Some famous artists who have used stippling in their works include Georges Seurat and Chuck Close.