DEFINITION : This movement developed from Impressionism and involved the use of many small dots of colour to give a painting a greater sense of vibrancy when seen from a distance. The equal size dots never quite merge in the viewer's perception resulting in a shimmering effect similar to the experience of a hot and sunny day. One of the leading exponents was Seurat to whom the term was first applied in regard to his painting 'La Grand Jatte' (1886).

Directions : An important point to remember is uniformity of pressure when applying dots so that their size is the same.

Supplies

• chinaware of your choice
• pen points or brushes
• Pen Oil
• vials of
  Outlining Black
  Finishing Brown
  variety of colors
• watercolor palette with wells
• storage box or cover for palette
• pencil
• paper
• tracing film
• graphite
• stabillo
• stylus
• wipe-out tool etc.

---Retrace with a stabillo onto your ware and allow to dry. (this will fire off)

---Sand to a light gray. Mix your dry paint with Pen Oil to the consistency of thick ink. If your dots are too oily then your ink is too thin.

---Take your time. You can put it aside and come back to it.

---Sometimes your dots might be too heavy. Allow to dry and lift with sharp wipe-out tool.

--Usually one fire is sufficient but additional firings may be necessary to add dots to highlight contrast.

VARIATIONS: When dots have been fired and positioned to your satisfaction, you may come back with washes of color. The dots provide your shading.

Enjoy !!

Anne Astorino