About

Hi, my name is Melissa van Straaten an artist based in the Netherlands, specializing in pen-on-paper drawings using the technique of pointillism, also known as stippling. For nearly seven years I've been exploring the beauty of everyday and iconic objects ranging from luxury cars to chess pieces and bottles - through thousands of tiny ink dots. 

I work with ink because of its permanence. With the stippling technique, every dot matters — once it’s placed, there’s no going back. That sense of commitment is something I enjoy and makes the process both challenging and satisfying. 

All my artworks are in black and white. There’s something timeless and raw about black and white. Stripped of color, the image becomes more about form, emotion, and contrast. It also allows me to focus on the essence of a subject. It removes distractions. In this limited palette, every mark matters. Each dot, each space, becomes more intentional and expressive.

My work is rooted in precision and patience. Each piece is built dot by dot, capturing both the texture and character of the subject in a way that invites viewers to look closer. I am fascinated by the challenge of turning simple objects into detailed, almost photographic compositions using nothing more than ink and time.

Thank you for visiting my page - I hope you enjoy exploring my world in dots.