stipple

Definition

To mark or decorate a surface with small dots, specks, or short touches, typically using a brush, pen, or needle. In art and printing, stippling creates tone and texture through the accumulation of small marks rather than continuous lines.

Example Usage

The artist used a fine brush to stipple the canvas, building up shadows with thousands of tiny dots.

Origin

From Dutch 'stippelen,' meaning to prick or spot; related to 'stipula' (small stalk).

Fun Fact

Stippling is a technique famously used in pointillism and is also common in engraving and tattoo art to create depth without using solid fill.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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