Topic outline

  • 5.1 Introduction

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    • Beyond individual dots, pointillé relies on structured dot patterns to generate visually coherent textures. By organizing impacts through sequences, clustering strategies, and controlled spacing, the craftsperson can generate gradients, perceived roughness, micro-geometry, and stylistic signatures. This lesson presents the fundamental stroke logic that governs texture construction and how these patterns influence surface optics.

  • 5.2 Fundamental Stroke Patterns

    • 5.2.1 Linear Sequences

      Linear rows of dots are used to define edges, contours, and directional accents.

      • Uniform linear spacing → clean contour definition

      • Gradated spacing along the line → edge softening

      • Curved or segmented lines → guide the viewer’s eye along complex shapes

      Application: initial structural layout, contour emphasis, geometric motifs.

      5.2.2 Clusters and Micro-Fields

      Clusters are dense groups of dots used to create intensity or mass.

      • Dense clustering increases local shadowing

      • Irregular cluster geometry produces organic textures

      • Symmetric clusters define ornamental focal points

      Application: floral motifs, dark cores, volumetric modeling.

      5.2.3 Radial and Starburst Patterns

      Dots placed from a central point outward create optical expansion or contraction.

      • Equal-radius spacing → radiating brightness

      • Radial density drop-off → naturalistic highlight regions

      Application: sun motifs, gemstone-like scintillation, circular ornaments.

      5.2.4 Mesh and Grid Textures

      Regular grids form controlled tonal surfaces.

      • Orthogonal grids → mechanical, precise textures

      • Diagonal grids → softer visual frequencies

      • Adaptive grids where spacing follows curvature → uniform shading on complex forms

      Application: backgrounds, textile-like fields, repeating patterns.

  • 5.3 Visual Texture Through Dot Modulation

    • 5.3.1 Density Modulation

      Increasing or reducing dot concentration changes perceived brightness and surface depth.

      • High density → darker and rougher

      • Low density → brighter and smoother

      • Nonlinear density curves → dramatic gradient effects

      Technique: Combine large and small dots to prevent banding.

      5.3.2 Size and Force Variation

      Dot geometry directly shapes how light interacts with the surface.

      • Higher force → deeper cavities → higher contrast

      • Lower force → subtle micro-pits → soft matte areas

      • Mixed-force patterns → stochastic textures with natural scatter

      Note: force variation must be consistent with material hardness to avoid cracking.

      5.3.3 Directionality and Flow

      Directional patterns create a sense of movement.

      • Harmonic directionality: curved lines following object morphology

      • Contrasting directionality: intersecting patterns that produce tension or emphasis

      Use: feathering, hair-like textures, waveforms, foliage.

  • 5.4 Integrating Patterns for Advanced Texture Design

    • 5.4.1 Multi-Layer Patterning

      Creating textures often involves overlapping strokes:

      • Base layer: structural shading

      • Mid layer: directional pattern

      • Top layer: highlights and detailed accents

      This layering builds optical complexity and visual richness.

      5.4.2 Transition Management

      Transitions between patterns define visual coherence:

      • Feathering techniques gradually reduce density at boundaries

      • Crossfade zones between two pattern types maintain continuity

      • Contrast margins deliberately create hard boundaries for visual impact

      5.4.3 Avoiding Artefacts

      Common issues include:

      • Banding: from overly uniform spacing

      • Pattern drift: misalignment across surface curvature

      • Halo effects: unintentionally bright edges around dense fields

      Mitigation involves controlled re-spacing, re-anchoring lines, and verifying under angled lighting.

  • 5.5 Practice Exercise

    • Students should produce:

      1. A linear contour pattern around a simple geometric shape.

      2. A cluster-based dark region with smooth transitions.

      3. A textured field using a grid combined with density modulation.

      Document each step and photograph under side-lighting to analyze shadow behavior.