How to Draw With Stippling: Shade a Sphere With Dots

Steps

1. 1. Start a Stippling Value Scale With Light Dots

   Draw a long rectangle on your paper. This is a value scale, a strip that runs from light to dark.

   Tip: A Micron 05 makes a dot big enough to see while you learn.

   

2. 2. Pack Dense Dots Into the Dark End of the Value Scale

   At the right end of the rectangle, pack your dots in tight. This is the darkest value, and you will see it looks almost solid black from a step back.

   Tip: Squint at the strip. Any band that jumps out needs a few more dots.

   

3. 3. Know What Stippling Is Not

   Draw a couple of small boxes beside your scale and try the marks to avoid. Little hairs, dust flecks and tick marks happen when the pen drags.

   Tip: Slow down if your dots start growing tails.

   

4. 4. Sketch a Circle and Light Source for a Stippled Sphere

   Lightly draw a circle in pencil. A drawing compass or a jar lid works well.

   Tip: Keep the pencil light so you can erase it once the ink is dry.

   

5. 5. Lay a Light Base Layer of Dots Over the Sphere

   Keep adding dots until the whole circle has an even, light covering. This base layer shows you how dark the brightest part of the sphere will be.

   Tip: Turn the paper as you go so your hand never smears the ink.

   

6. 6. Place the Darkest Core Shadow Dots Opposite the Light

   Find the side of the sphere farthest from your light source. That is where the core shadow goes.

   Tip: Zoom in on your own work with a phone camera to check your dots.

   

7. 7. Leave a Lighter Rim for Reflected Light on the Sphere

   Look at the bottom edge of your sphere. Keep the darkest band a little way in from the outline, not right on it.

   Tip: The reflected light is subtle. It should stay darker than the lit side.

   

8. 8. Spread Stipple Dots From Dark Into Light

   Now blend. Start at the edge of the dark band and add dots that spread out as you move toward the light.

   Tip: Stop often and look at it from across the room.

   

9. 9. Even Out Clumps With Tiny Stipple Dots

   Look for white gaps and spots where dots crowd together. Instead of pressing for a full dot, barely tap the paper to make the smallest dot you can.

   Tip: A finer pen like a Micron 01 makes these tiny filler dots easier.