Pointillism Portrait Project
- Madison Holmes
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
Project Overview
In this project, you will create a portrait of a human or animal that demonstrates a strong understanding of:
Value
Stippling (Pointillism)
Using only dots, you will create the illusion of form, light, shadow, and texture. Your artwork should show a clear light source and thoughtful use of value to create depth and realism.
Learning Goals
Students will:
Understand the history of Pointillism and Neo-Impressionism.
Practice observational drawing skills.
Demonstrate an understanding of value and light logic.
Create an image using only dots.
Develop patience, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Before You Begin
Complete the following activities before starting your final project:
1. Pointillism Notes
Complete the Pointillism Notes Worksheet.
2. Grid Drawing Practice
Practice transferring an image accurately using the grid method.
3. Stippling Practice
Complete the Pointillism/Stippling Practice Worksheet to explore how value can be created with dots.
What is Pointillism?
Pointillism is an artistic movement and painting technique that emerged from the French Impressionist movement during the 1880s.
Instead of blending colors directly on a canvas, artists placed small dots of color next to one another. When viewed from a distance, the eye blends the dots together to create shapes, colors, and values.
The Science Behind Pointillism
Scientists and artists had long understood primary and secondary colors, but American physicist Ogden Rood introduced new ideas about color perception in his 1879 book Modern Chromatics, with Applications to Art and Industry.
Rood suggested that small areas of different colors could appear blended when viewed from a distance. This concept inspired artists to experiment with creating images entirely from small dots of color.
Artist Study: Georges Seurat
About the Artist
Georges Seurat
French artist (1859–1891)
Founder of the Pointillist movement
Pioneer of Neo-Impressionism
Combined art and scientific theories of color perception
Famous Artwork
A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte
This painting became one of the most famous works of the 19th century and a defining example of Pointillism.
From a distance, viewers see people enjoying a sunny afternoon in a park. Up close, the image is composed entirely of thousands of tiny dots of color.
"Some say they see poetry in my paintings; I see only science."
— Georges Seurat
Seurat Video
Watch before beginning your project:
Other Neo-Impressionist Artists
Explore examples of other Neo-Impressionist artists and their use of color, value, and optical blending.
1) Paul Signac,
2) Henri-Edmond Cros, L'air du soir, c.1893
3) Georges Lemmen, The Beach at Heist, c. 1891-92
4) Maximilien Luce, Morning, Interior, 1890
Understanding Value in Pointillism
How Seurat Created Value
Seurat often created value shifts by layering and placing different colors next to one another.
How You Will Create Value
You may create value in two ways:
1. Density of Dots
More dots = darker values
Fewer dots = lighter values
2. Color Shifts
Different colors can create the illusion of light and shadow
Colors may be layered or placed next to one another
Project Requirements
Subject Matter
Human portrait OR
Animal portrait
Composition
Include a strong light source.
Crop your image in an interesting and dynamic way.
Fill most of the page.
Pointillism Requirements
All marks must be dots.
No lines, scribbling, or shading.
Use stippling techniques only.
Media
Sharpie marker
Optional color markers or colored pencils
Value
Show clear highlights, midtones, and shadows.
Demonstrate strong light logic.
Color
Choose one:
Black and White
Color
Size
Minimum: 9" × 12"
Larger sizes are encouraged.
Project Directions
Step 1
Choose a strong reference image of a human or animal with dramatic lighting.
Step 2
Crop your image in an interesting way and transfer it to your paper.
Step 3
Lightly sketch the major shapes and contours.
Step 4
Begin stippling using dots only.
Step 5
Build value slowly by adjusting:
Dot density
Dot placement
Color choices (if working in color)
Step 6
Continue refining highlights, shadows, and details until the portrait is complete.
Step 7
Submit your finished artwork and participate in the class critique.
Click the button below to upload your photo to a Google Slide and add your grid.
Success Criteria Checklist
✓ Human or animal portrait
✓ Strong light source
✓ Interesting crop/composition
✓ Dots only (no lines or shading)
✓ Value clearly shown
✓ Strong craftsmanship
✓ Complete background if needed
✓ Meets minimum size requirement
Examples
Pointillism Portrait Project Rubric (4-Point Scale)
Criteria | 4 - Advanced | 3 - Proficient | 2 - Developing | 1 - Beginning |
Pointillism Technique | Artwork is created entirely with dots. Dot placement is highly controlled and demonstrates mastery of the stippling technique. | Artwork is mostly created with dots and demonstrates good control of stippling. | Artwork uses some stippling but includes inconsistent technique or non-dot marks. | Artwork does not consistently use stippling or shows minimal understanding of the technique. |
Value & Light Logic | Excellent use of value creates a strong illusion of form, depth, and a clear light source. Highlights, midtones, and shadows are highly developed. | Value is clearly shown and the light source is mostly consistent. | Some value is shown, but the light source or shading is inconsistent. | Little to no understanding of value or light source is evident. |
Composition & Drawing Accuracy | Subject is accurately drawn, well-proportioned, and thoughtfully cropped. Composition is visually engaging and fills the space effectively. | Subject is mostly accurate with a successful composition and crop. | Drawing contains noticeable proportional errors or weak composition choices. | Drawing is incomplete, inaccurate, or lacks an intentional composition. |
Craftsmanship & Effort | Artwork is exceptionally neat, complete, and demonstrates patience, focus, and attention to detail throughout the project. | Artwork is complete and neat with consistent effort shown. | Artwork shows partial completion, rushed areas, or inconsistent effort. | Artwork is incomplete, careless, or demonstrates minimal effort. |
Score Guide
4 – Advanced: Exceeds expectations and demonstrates outstanding artistic skill and effort.
3 – Proficient: Meets expectations and demonstrates solid understanding of the project objectives.
2 – Developing: Partially meets expectations but needs improvement in one or more areas.
1 – Beginning: Does not yet demonstrate understanding of the project objectives.
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