THE BASICS OF STIPPLING

Stippling is a technique used in painting to create texture and gradations in color.  Stippling can be used with just one color or various colors layered on top of each other.

When you stipple, a stiff brush is necessary.  A brush with soft bristles won’t work.  You can use different items to create various effects.  Sponges are used frequently in stippling.

First, make sure your surface already has a coat of paint.  Stippling leaves parts of the surface exposed so make sure you have a background color as a base and it’s completely dried.

To stipple with a brush, dip the tip of the brush in the paint.  Move the brush back and forth into the paint to ensure your brush is loaded and evenly loaded on the brush.  Hold the brush upright at a 45-degree angle and begin to dot the paint onto the surface by tapping the tip of the brush onto the surface.  With stippling, there is never a brush stroke.  Stippling is done by up and down motions with the brush creating tiny dots of colors.  Be sure to rotate the brush a little each time you lift it from the surface to avoid creating a pattern of dots.  Allow the surface to dry and repeat, covering the unpainted areas with the same color or an additional color.  Repeat the process until the look you want is achieved. 

With a little practice, stippling is an easy and fun way to create a new dimension in your paintings.