stippling

(verb) engrave by means of dots and flicks. Synonyms: stipple.

(verb) make by small short touches that together produce an even or softly graded shadow, as in paint or ink. Synonyms: stipple.

(verb) apply (paint) in small dots or strokes. Synonyms: stipple.

(verb) produce a mottled effect. Synonyms: stipple, speckle. Example: "The sunlight stippled the trees."