Exploring Pointillism: Dolphin Illustration

In this piece, I’ve created an illustration of a dolphin using the technique of pointillism—a method that turns an image into a beautiful mosaic of tiny dots. If you look closely, you’ll see that instead of using lines or broad strokes to form the dolphin, I’ve placed small, individual dots of color next to each other. Together, they blend into the smooth curves and shading that make the dolphin come alive.

Pointillism is a painting technique that was popularized by artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac in the late 19th century. The idea is to use dots of pure color to create vibrant images, relying on the eye to mix the colors rather than blending them on the palette. This way, pointillism creates a shimmering, almost pixelated effect, where every dot counts toward the final image.

In my dolphin illustration, you’ll notice how the blue of the water and the silvery-gray of the dolphin interact. By placing complementary colors—like blues and oranges—side by side, pointillism can add a vibrant energy to the work. Even though no brushstrokes connect them, the colors seem to flow together as you move farther from the image.

This technique is not just about aesthetics but also teaches patience and precision, making it an excellent exercise for developing focus in students. In class, I often encourage my students to start with simple shapes and experiment with how placing dots of different colors next to each other changes how we perceive depth, light, and texture. Over time, they can work up to more complex forms like animals or landscapes.

By practicing pointillism, students can explore how color theory works in real time and discover the beauty of letting the viewer's eye do the work of blending. It’s a fun process that results in a uniquely textured and vibrant image—like this dolphin illustration.

What do you think of the final result? Let me know if you’ve ever tried pointillism or if you'd like to learn more about this fascinating style!