03 Handout 2

AS2301
SHADING TECHNIQUES
The most beneficial drawing ability to master is shading. Both pen and pencil shading can be done using a
variety of approaches. Understanding the various shading techniques and tips can help you improve your
drawing skills and frequently make the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawings.
This is because shading is a crucial tool for defining shadow and form in various drawing subjects.
Technique 1: Hatching
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A series of lines drawn in the same direction is known as hatching. It is the most common shading method.
Any beginner should begin with hatching as it will offer them a sense of how shading functions and enhance
their line control and accuracy. In hatching, lines drawn closer together have a darker value, while lines drawn
farther apart have a lighter value.
Any piece of art can be shaded via hatching. It is a versatile technique because it is simpler to combine with
different shading techniques. Hatching is essentially a succession of straight lines; therefore, when used alone,
it can aid in creating realistic textures like brushed steel or word.
Technique 2: Cross-hatching
Given that it complements hatching, cross-hatching is the second most used shading method. A series of
parallel lines drawn in the same direction is called hatching. Cross-hatching, on the other hand, involves
drawing lines in the opposite direction across those lines. In terms of value, the lines' appearance will change
depending on how loosely they are packed and how darkly packed they are.
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AS2301
It's important to remember that cross-hatching doesn't just involve two lines crossing one another. To increase
the shading and darken the value, more lines can be placed in various directions and crossed over one another.
Technique 3: Blending
The technique of blending is another popular shading method. This is the most common type, and it involves
applying pressure on lines to combine them into smooth gradations using either a finger or a blending tool.
The values vary according to the pressure you use to make your lines and the density of the lines you combine.
Beginners typically begin by utilizing pressure and their finger to blend, and as they gain experience, they
advance to using a blending stump.
Professional tools like a good graphite pencil or charcoal and a blending stump are necessary to get the
greatest results when blending. Use blending to achieve a seamless yet subtle change in values and gradation.
Technique 4: Scribbling
Shades are created with scribbles, as the name implies. To change the appearance of the value, the scribbles
will appear darker and vice versa the more they are covered by one another. Scribbling is a nice warm-up
exercise before beginning a drawing session.
Scribbling, whether used as a shade or a background for a sketch, may provide interesting textures to an
illustration. Scribbling is best achieved by moving the pencil freely and making loose markings that are
gradually built up to darken the drawing.

AS2301
Technique 5: Stippling
Stippling is the process of adding several dots to your drawing to create darker values. The density of the dots
affects the value that is produced. Stippling demands patience because it takes a while to create hundreds of
dots, but the result is worthwhile.
Stippling is the technique of choice for artists who want to explore their imagination when drawing the
contours and tones of simple still-life objects. Stippling is sometimes the best method for darkening certain
objects with texture, such as an orange or a golf ball.
References
artincontext. (2023, April 30). Art In Context. Retrieved from Shading Techniques – Tips for Shading Your Drawings: https://artincontext.org/shading-
techniques/
Fussell, M. (2022). Shading Techniques - How to Shade with a Pencil. Retrieved from The Virtual Instructor: https://thevirtualinstructor.com/shading-
techniques-basics.html
Orme, S. (2023, January 17). The complete guide to shading techniques. Retrieved from Gathered.: https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/art/shading-
techniques/


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Image retrieved from https://thevirtualinstructor.com/shading-techniques-basics.html

Image retrieved from https://thevirtualinstructor.com/shading-techniques-basics.html

03 Handout 2 *Property of STI

Image retrieved from https://thevirtualinstructor.com/shading-techniques-basics.html

Image retrieved from https://thevirtualinstructor.com/shading-techniques-basics.html

03 Handout 2 *Property of STI

Image retrieved from https://thevirtualinstructor.com/shading-techniques-basics.html

03 Handout 2 *Property of STI

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