from Pointillism to dot art

In a Creative Art class for students in grades 9 through 12, a project introduces them to the art of pointillism, the technique championed by artist Georges Seurat. The class explores how Seurat's method of using small, distinct dots of pure color, when viewed from a distance, blend together to form images. The students learn about the scientific principles behind this technique, such as optical mixing, which is the way the human eye and brain blend the colors together.

Applying the Technique with Dot Art

After studying Seurat's work, students transition to a hands-on project that applies these concepts in a modern context: dot art. Instead of traditional brushes, the students use specialized dot tools. These tools are available in a variety of sizes, allowing students to create dots of different diameters. This provides them with greater control and precision than a standard paintbrush might. The process involves layering different sized and colored dots to create texture, depth, and unique patterns. This project lets students experiment with color theory and composition, as they decide how to place and layer their dots to achieve the desired visual effect.