How To Crosshatch

Crosshatching is used to create dark or faded lines to shape and define an object.

Crosshatching is the technique of joining and overlapping parallel lines in pencil and ink to create the look of three-dimensional images on paper. Typically used for quick sketches, this technique allows for specific study in tone and lightness of your work. The practice of crosshatching can be used with mediums such as pen and ink to create shading and depth in an image. Crosshatching can also be used as background textures.

Instructions

1. Practice creating parallel hatching lines on your paper using pencil or ink. The distance between each line creates a new tone on your paper. Lightness and darkness of your images can be manipulated with the space between the lines. Keep lines at an angle.

2. Cross over your parallel lines with another layer of hatching lines at an opposite angel. The length and shortness of these lines can determine the length of an object. Crosshatching looks similar to a compact tic-tac-toe board.

3. Draw a simple shape or object such as a circle and use crosshatching to make a three-dimensional image. Use crosshatching around the diameter and front of your circle to add depth of field.

4. Study objects and the relations between light and space. Set a still life in front of direct light. Make notations of dark and like lines using the crosshatching technique.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice and analyze the differences between crosshatching with pen and ink.

References

• Portrait Artist: Drawing Techniques

Resources

• "Line and Shading in Drawing"; Gabriel Martín i Roig; 2005