Hatching Crosshatching Stippling Blending

are four of the most common line techniques used to create value and the "illusion" of space and texture on a form in a drawing and they can be applied with all drawing mediums. We begin with "hatching".

Now that we have identified common line techniques used to create value and texture on a form next is value and form.

Form: another element in visual design and in this context is described as any three-dimensional object...defined by lights and darks... by the presence of shadows on surfaces or faces of an object...enhanced by tone, texture or color. —

Shading with hatching, crosshatching, stippling and contour lines or especially by smooth blending, creates the appearance of three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface.   The first step is to "set a ground" as seen in the interactive image and video demonstration below: —

From a PC, hover your cursor over the image below to see the spacial difference "setting a ground" (and shadows) make in order to create the illusion of 3-D space on a 2-D surface!

Setting A Ground (10:20) This technique enhances shading and shadows better than beginning with a blank white page.   Instead of starting with an entire sheet at one end of the brightness spectrum, we attempt to start in the middle.   This reduces the tendency to produce a final drawing that is unrealistically bright or washed out.  —Mr. Hen

Step 1:"Set" or create a "ground" (background) by shading and blending an area of solid gray (1, 2, or 3 on the value scale) or varying tones if needed (values 1 to 5).   These tones should correlate with the direction of the light source; one side being darker than the other. Next: Observe the sphere and lighting terms

Step 2: Set Up One Strong Light Source. (See the terms defined in the videos and image below.)

Highlights, Transitional Light (Center Light and Varying Tones), Core Shadow, Reflected Light, Cast Shadows and Oclusion Shadows give an object a 3-D look on a 2-D surface.
On the assignment example you will also see the cast shadow divided into the umbra, penumbra, and antumbrambra.

Since we have identified different types of lights and shadows used to create value on a form, It is time to practice learning how to shade basic forms!

Video Above: How to Shade Basic Forms - Pencil Tutorial

Shading is the process of adding to value to a drawing.   When we get the values right, the illusion of form and light are communicated in the drawing.   By learning how to draw basic forms, we can be more successful when drawing more complex subjects.   This exercise is completed on bristol paper, but any drawing paper will result in similar results.   The Virtual Instructor (9:21)

Step 3: Follow the video demonstration and draw the forms:

sphere (at 0:00) │  cube (at 2:40) │  cylinder * (at 5:43) │  cone * (at 7:10)

*For cylinders and cones, see the additional video:
How to Draw an Ellipse (new tab)

Now that we have learned about how to shade basic forms identify the different values below.

Three Spheres II, Lithograph, 1946, by M.C. Escher at the National Gallery of Art.   The sphere in the center is reflective.   Its reflection is a self-replicating image of Escher in his studio drawing the three spheres.   In the reflection one can clearly see the image of the three spheres on the paper Escher is drawing on: in the center sphere of that image, one can vaguely make out the reflection of Escher's studio, which is depicted in the main image.   This process is implied to be infinite, recursive... Wikipedia

ARTIST'S WEBSITE   GALLERY   BIO

Below, is a small sample of information links coordinated with video playlists.   Each link and video thumbnail takes you to the category on the Resource page.   Once there, activate the links.   Resources

Creative Commons Public Domain
0 1.0 Universal 0 1.0) License