Looking for an art lesson that’s simple, fun, and stress-free? This pointillism art lesson is a great way to introduce creativity without worrying about perfection. Just grab your supplies and enjoy the process!
Pointillism is a fun and easily-accessible painting technique that allows artists to create vibrant, textured artwork using nothing but dots of color. This method was part of the Neo-Impressionism movement, and was made famous by artists Georges Seurat and Paul Signac. It involves layering tiny dots of paint to create depth and shading.
In this lesson we use acrylic paints, which is the perfect medium for pointillism because it dries quickly and allows for easy layering. Pointillism is a fantastic way to experiment with color theory and optical illusions!
Art supplies you will need:
Feel free to use whatever art supplies you have on hand, but if you want to know which brands of art supplies we use, we’ve linked them below:
Why Pointillism is a Great Art Exercise
- Makes Art Accessible to All Skill Levels – Pointillism is an excellent, beginner-friendly option for students.
- Encourages Creativity and Experimentation – While traditional pointillism follows structured dot placement, students can experiment with dot size, spacing, and colors to create unique effects.
- Enhances Patience and Focus – Pointillism requires careful placement of dots, helping students develop patience, attention to detail, and perseverance.
- Helps Improve Fine Motor Skills – Applying the tiny dots can require more precision, which cultivates hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, especially for young learners.
- Develops an Appreciation for Art History – Introducing pointillism provides an opportunity to explore artist like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, giving students insight into the Neo-Impressionist movement.
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Step by Step: Let’s Play with Pointillism!
Step 1: Choose Your Art Subject
In the lesson, Alisha chose to paint the Eiffel Tower, but you can choose whatever subject matter you want for your art piece: landmark, instrument, sport, animal, vehicle, or even the initial of your own name!
Step 2: Draw Your Image
Take a pencil and sketch out a simple image of your subject. It doesn’t have to be perfect, you’re just using it as a template and guide for your paint!
Step 3: Add Colors
Starting with your darkest colors, dip the eraser end of your pencil into your paints and add dots onto your canvas, using your sketch as your guide. Alternate between your different colors as you continue adding layers of dots, working up to your lightest color, and finally finishing with white if so desired.
Step 4: Admire Your Artwork!
Your artwork is finished whenever you’re happy with it! No need to outline this piece: traditional pointillism has soft edges and very little definition, creating an almost dreamlike effect.
Watch this video as I walk you through step by step:
Or you can watch it on YouTube here.
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