Ryland introduced the stipple engraving technique to England after studying in France. This method uses small dots to create tonal variations rather than continuous lines. His work often imitated the texture of chalk drawings. In pieces like Antiochus and Stratonice or The Rural Peace, he achieved a soft, grainy effect. He often printed these works in red or sepia inks to mimic sanguine drawings.

The stipple technique provides a muted aesthetic that fits modern interiors. His portraits, such as those of the Duke of Marlborough or Lord Digby, offer a formal historical presence without the harshness of traditional line engraving. Collectors value these prints for their tonal softness and their connection to eighteenth-century printing innovations.