Stippling

A pattern of closely spaced dots or small marks used to create a sense of three-dimension on a flat surface, especially in drawing and printmaking. See also HATCHING, CROSS-HATCHING. Stippling can be achieved with an engraving or etching process by using a needle to inflict "minute deperssions of varying depth into the surface of the copper plate". The method, developed in England and perfected in France in the early 19th century, is especially conducive to to receiving color. Because of subtlety of tone and "seamless transition of color", it has been a popular methd with botanical artists.Source:"Joel Oppenheimer" 35th Anniversary Catalogue, 2004, of the Natural Art Gallery<br><br> A drawing technique consisting of many small dots or flecks to construct the image; obviously, this technique can be very laborious, so generally small images are stippled. The spacing and darkness of the dots are varied, to indicate three dimensions of an object, and light and shadow; can be a very effective and interesting technique, which can also be used in painting.