SAEDNEWS: In this content, we’ll explore the beautiful art of pointillism. Stay with Saed News to discover more.
Handicrafts, including Dot Painting, have long enjoyed special popularity and have evolved significantly over generations. The handicrafts of any city or country undeniably reflect the culture, traditions, and customs of that region and its people. Dot painting—also called point painting—is a beautiful and practical art form that can be applied to pottery, glass, and even stone, leather, fabric, and felt.
The art of dot painting is known by different names in the artistic world. Some call it “Dot Mandala,” others “Point Painting,” and some refer to it as “Dot Art” or “Dotting Art.” Are all these names the same? When mandala designs are created using the dotting technique, they are specifically called Dot Mandalas. In other modern or artistic styles, almost any design can be realized using dot painting or dotting methods. “Dot Art” or “Dotting Art” is the English term for this art, commonly used among Persian speakers. The technique is called dotting because the artwork is created by placing dots along lines and curves, which eventually form the final design.
Like other art forms, dot painting requires specific tools, including:
Pencil
Eraser
Ruler
Scissors
Tape
Sandpaper
Compass
Outliner paste for vitrail (glass painting): This solvent-based paste is washable after drying. To remove it, you need vitrail solution before it dries. Available in plain, metallic, and glitter varieties and in multiple colors.
Simple outliner: Available only in basic colors.
Metallic outliner: Features fine sparkling particles for a shimmering effect.
Glitter outliner: Made with special glue and glitter, usually in silver or gold.
Acrylic paint: Water-soluble, versatile, and suitable for pottery, fabric, leather, glass, and other surfaces. It is flexible, mixable, antibacterial, waterproof, scratch-resistant, and washable.
Vitrail paint: Typically water- or solvent-based; solvent-based is stable and easily mixable, while water-based requires kiln baking for permanence. Ensure consistent brand and solvent when diluting.
Dotting tools: Essential for this art, usually with two types—one small and one with five different sizes, reasonably priced.
Tips for Using Dotting Tools:
Beginners should start with simpler objects and designs. Sand pottery surfaces or place designs under glass for guidance.
Work patiently, especially with outliners, to avoid issues with fast drying.
Choose colors thoughtfully, as the final appearance depends on them.
Dot painting is a decorative art suitable for pottery, glass, wood, and fabric. The primary medium is the outliner, commonly used in vitrail and glass painting.
Dot Painting on Pottery:
Pottery dot painting is among the most popular handicrafts. First, select the piece and sand its surface for smoothness. Apply a mixture of water and wood glue either with a brush or by dipping the pottery. This step prevents acrylic paint from soaking into the pottery. Once dry, paint with chosen acrylic colors and begin dotting the design from the center. Maintain consistent hand pressure and avoid heavy lines. For beginners, gem paints can be used instead of outliners, as they are easier to correct. Finish by applying a protective polish for a refined look.
Dot Painting on Glass:
Glass dot painting is equally attractive. Select the object, then transfer your design to the back using tape or clips. Use markers to trace the design onto the surface. Paint the back with acrylics using a sponge in a dabbing motion, or cover it with textured paper before applying crystal varnish. Use outliners to dot along the design, and optionally finish with a fixing spray. Another method involves dotting smaller designs on cups, saucers, or vases, then baking in a 150°C oven for 15 minutes to fix the paint, followed by cooling and protective spray.
Dot Painting on Fabric:
This is a highly appealing fabric design technique, popular in fabric painting and fashion design courses. Start with a stencil of your design, secure it to the fabric, and begin dotting with an outliner. Start with larger sections, then fill in smaller details once dry.
Dot Painting on Wood:
Select a wooden item like a box, plate, or tray. Transfer the design onto the wood, then carefully dot along it. For borders, parallel dot lines can be used, and the interior decorated with personal creativity.
Dot Painting on Stone:
Choose flat stones of varying sizes. Paint the surface, transfer your design, dot using outliners, and optionally finish with a protective spray. This produces a stunning decorative piece.
Dot painting is an emerging art in Iranian handicrafts, reminiscent of raised enamel or minakari. By learning its techniques, tools, and applications, you can create beautiful, intricate artworks that reflect a unique cultural heritage.
