Shading is the process of manipulating light and shadow to create the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface. By understanding and applying various mark-making techniques, we can achieve a wide range of tones and textures.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the techniques:

I. Line-Based Techniques

These techniques rely on the density, direction and overlap of distinct lines or marks to build up tone. They are often used in media like pen, ink and sharp pencil.

• Hatching:
  • This is the foundational technique: drawing a series of parallel lines.
  • The closer the lines are placed, the darker the resulting value will appear.
• Cross-Hatching (Cross):
  • Achieved by drawing a second layer of parallel lines over the first, typically at an angle (like a cross or a weave).
  • Multiple overlapping layers build richer, darker, and more complex shadows.
• Contouring (Contouring Hatching):
  • Similar to hatching, but the parallel lines curve and wrap around the form of the object.
  • This strongly emphasizes the volume and three-dimensionality of the subject (e.g., lines wrapping around a sphere or cylinder).
• Short Dashes (Tick Hatching/Short Lines):
  • Instead of long, continuous lines, this method uses short, quick tick marks to build tone and texture.
  • Can be used to suggest surface texture like hair, fur, or grass. Tone is deepened by overlapping and clustering the dashes.
• Zig-Zags:
  • This involves using continuous, back-and-forth zigzag lines to quickly fill an area and create an energetic, raw texture.
  • Value is controlled by the tightness and overlap of the zig-zag marks.

II. Mark-Making & Textural Techniques

These methods use unique, non-linear marks to develop value and surface quality.

• Stippling:
  • This technique uses only small dots to create an image and its tone.
  • Shadows are achieved by increasing the density of the dots (placing them closer together). Highlights are created by spacing the dots further apart.
• Scribbles (Scumbling):
  • An expressive technique using layers of random, loose, circular, or squiggly marks that overlap.
  • Often called Scumbling in drawing (when using small, circular motions) or Scribble Hatching.
  • It’s excellent for creating rough, organic textures, such as foliage on a tree, curly hair, or rough stone. Darker values are created by layering more squiggles on top.
• Circulism:
  • A very specific and controlled form of scumbling, often used in photorealistic portraiture. It involves applying tiny, overlapping circular marks to layer graphite or charcoal.
  • The goal is to eliminate obvious lines and create a smooth texture that mimics the microscopic structure of skin, often giving the appearance of pores.
• 3s:
  • This is a less formal term, likely referring to the quick, loose, or repetitive “3” shape (or figure-of-eight) used as a textural mark, similar to a controlled scribble, to quickly build tone and suggest texture without defined lines.

III. Smooth Transition Techniques

This technique prioritizes seamless gradients over visible mark-making.

• Blending:
  • The process of creating a smooth, gradual transition between different tonal values without visible lines or marks.
  • This is typically achieved by layering the drawing medium (like graphite, charcoal, or pastel) and then using tools like paper stumps (tortillons), chamois cloth, or soft brushes to physically smudge or smooth the particles across the paper.
  • Blending is key for achieving high levels of realism and depicting surfaces that are inherently smooth.