Drawing with Dots: Exploring Stippling

Could thousands of tiny dots become a drawing?In this beginner-friendly online art class, you'll explore stippling — a drawing technique that uses dots of different densities to create light, shadow, and three-dimensional form.Inspired by the delicate mark-making of Renaissance artist Campagnola, we'll slow down and experiment with how individual marks can gradually come together to create an image.You'll begin with simple exercises before creating your own stippled drawing.No previous drawing experience is needed. You don't need a steady “artist's hand” or perfect technique; just a pen, some paper, and a little patience.What you'll do

• Take a brief look at Campagnola's drawings and his delicate approach to mark-making
• Experiment with creating light and dark using dots
• Explore how dot density can create different tones
• Create your own small stippled drawing

What you'll learnYou'll explore how to:

• Create tonal variations using the density of dots
• Build three-dimensional form without conventional shading
• Control the spacing, size, and concentration of your marks
• Observe light and shadow more carefully
• Build an image gradually rather than trying to complete it all at once
• Use repetition and patience as part of the creative process

Who is this class forThis class is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced artists who would like to try a different and surprisingly meditative approach to drawing. It's especially suitable if you enjoy slow, mindful creative activities and want to experiment with creating an image one small mark at a time.What you'll need

• Paper
• Pencil/pen (any type)
• Eraser (optional)
• A few simple objects to draw, such as a fruit, plant, cup, or small household object

A fine-point pen works particularly well, but you don't need specialist art materials.Class formatThis is a live, interactive online class with demonstrations, guided exercises, and plenty of time to experiment. I'll introduce each activity, demonstrate the technique, and then give you time to explore it yourself. There is no pressure to create a perfect finished drawing. The focus is on slowing down, observing, experimenting, and discovering what can happen when an image is built one tiny mark at a time.One dot is just a dot. Thousands can become an image. Read more details