Stipple: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when describing a technique in painting, drawing, or engraving where small dots or short strokes create a pattern or shading.

• The artist decided to stipple the shadows to give the portrait more texture.
• Stippling requires patience and control to achieve the desired effect.

This word is general and can be used in everyday language to describe small, round marks or spots.

• She added a dot of paint to each corner of the canvas.
• Please sign your name on the dotted line.

This word describes many small spots or marks that cover a surface and can be used in various situations, including describing patterns on animals, rust, or splatter patterns. It often has a more random and scattered implication.

• The eggshell was speckled with tiny brown spots.
• His face was speckled with freckles.

Use this term specifically in the context of art to refer to a technique where small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image, often associated with Georges Seurat.

• The artist took years to perfect his ability to pointillize, creating stunning landscapes.
• Pointillized images require careful planning and execution.

This word is best used when talking about a technique in drawing, painting, or engraving where small dots create a shaded effect or texture. It is often used in art and printmaking.

• The artist decided to stipple the entire background to give it a more textured look.
• She used stipple techniques to bring out the shadows in the portrait.

This term is specific to a painting technique where distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. It is closely associated with a specific art movement and is used to describe artworks from this style.

• Georges Seurat is famous for his pointillism paintings.
• The museum had an exhibit dedicated to pointillism.

This word is commonly used to describe placing dots into a pattern, often in crafts, drawing, or even in everyday descriptions of patterns. It is a general term and can be applied to various situations.

• The decorator spent hours dotting the cake with colorful sprinkles.
• He enjoys dotting his notes with tiny flowers and stars.

This term is useful when describing the action of adding small spots or specks to something, often to give a varied texture or pattern. It can also be used in contexts beyond art, such as describing appearances in nature.

• The baker added a speckling of powdered sugar on top of the pastries.
• Their fence was speckling with spots of rust.