Stippled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stippled

[หˆstษชp(ษ™)ld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

art technique

To apply paint, ink, etc., in small dots or specks to give a textured effect.

Synonyms

dapple, dot, fleck, speckle.

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Word Description / Examples
stippled

Used often in art and design, especially when describing a texture or pattern created by small, numerous dots or marks.

  • The artist applied a stippled effect to the painting, giving it a unique texture.
  • The wall was painted with a stippled technique, adding depth to its appearance.
dot

Refers to a small, round mark, often used in writing, drawing, and digital contexts.

  • She put a dot at the end of each sentence.
  • The fabric was covered in tiny, colorful dots.
speckle

Used to describe a pattern of tiny spots or marks, often found in nature or when something is lightly sprinkled.

  • The robin's eggs were pale blue with brown speckles.
  • His face was speckled with freckles.
fleck

Commonly refers to small marks or spots, usually implying a scattered distribution, can also refer to small bits of something.

  • There were flecks of paint on his clothes.
  • She noticed a fleck of dust on the table.
dapple

Describes a pattern of spots, usually irregular and multicolored, often used in reference to animals, especially horses, or light filtering through leaves.

  • The sunlight dappled through the trees, creating a beautiful pattern on the ground.
  • Her horse had a stunning dappled coat.

Examples of usage

  • The artist stippled the canvas to create a unique pattern.
  • She stippled the background of the painting with different shades of blue.
Context #2 | Verb

tattooing

To create a design on the skin using a series of small dots.

Examples of usage

  • The tattoo artist stippled the outline of the rose on her arm.
  • He wanted a stippled effect for his sleeve tattoo.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art Techniques

  • Stippling is a method used in art where artists create images with numerous tiny dots of ink or paint, often to depict shadows and textures.
  • Famous artists like Georges Seurat used stippling in his paintings, representing scenes with thousands of small dots to form beautiful landscapes and people.
  • The effect of stippling changes when viewed from different distances; up close, you see the individual dots, but from afar, it creates a cohesive image.

Printing Techniques

  • Stippling is often used in printmaking to give depth to illustrations, creating a textured look that adds interest to the final print.
  • Engravers utilize stippling to create detailed designs in metal, allowing for a softer look compared to traditional line engraving.
  • In modern digital art, artists can simulate stippled effects easily with software, replicating this traditional technique in various styles.

Historical Significance

  • During the Renaissance, artists began using stippling techniques as a way to flesh out naturalistic images, making them more lifelike.
  • The technique became particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries with the rise of Romanticism, emphasizing emotion and atmospheric effects in artwork.
  • Stippling also plays a role in scientific illustrations, where accuracy and detail are crucial for diagrams in texts like botanical and zoological studies.

Visual Perception

  • Human eyes perceive stippled patterns differently; they can create optical illusions or depth perception that draws viewers in.
  • The contrast of densely packed dots against a lighter background can make a stippled artwork pop, enhancing visual interest.
  • Research in psychology indicates that people can find art created with stippling more engaging due to the complexity and detail required to interpret such images.

Cultural Impact

  • Stippling has influenced various artistic movements, including Pointillism, where the principle of using color dots to create an image became a prominent style.
  • In street art, some graffiti artists have started to incorporate stippling techniques, merging traditional art with modern expressions.
  • Stippled effects have permeated pop culture, appearing in graphic novels, animations, and video games to create unique textures and atmospheres.

Origin of 'stippled'

The word 'stippled' comes from the Latin word 'stipula', which means a stalk or straw. The technique of stippling has been used in art for centuries to create texture and depth in paintings and drawings. In tattooing, stippling is often used to create intricate designs with a unique style.


See also: stippling.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,769, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.