Shading transforms a flat contour drawing into a three-dimensional illusion, giving depth and realism to your artwork.
There are numerous shading techniques, each influencing the style of your drawing. Here are some fundamental options to experiment with, ideal for a simple sphere design as an enjoyable exercise.
1. Cross hatching
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cross-hatching.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
Cross-hatching involves drawing parallel lines that vary in direction and are layered to achieve different shades of shading.
I prefer to begin with the lightest areas and then build up layers of cross-hatching to reach the darkest parts of the drawing.
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/gargoyles.png?resize=600%2C595&ssl=1)
Here’s an example of a drawing depicting gargoyles on the roof of Notre Dame de Paris.
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mimi6.png?resize=600%2C872&ssl=1)
You can also use cross-hatching in life drawings.
2. Parallel Line Hatching
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/fffffffffffffffffffffffff.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
Hatching with parallel lines is similar to cross-hatching, but all the lines go in the same direction. It’s a bit more time-consuming than cross-hatching but can produce interesting results.
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pic6-small-size.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
3. Contour Lines
Contour lines can be applied in various ways, but the basic idea is to have the lines follow the shape of the subject. You can use contour lines for shading, as shown in this example.
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/contour-lines-1.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
or simply to define the shape, as illustrated in this example:
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/contour-lines-2.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
Contour lines work well for figure drawings. You’ve likely also seen many hand drawings using contour lines.
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/contour-lines-3.png?resize=600%2C684&ssl=1)
4. Scribbles
Scribbling, or scumbling, is a fun and quick way to shade a drawing!
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/eeeeeeeeeeee.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
Scumbling or scribble shading is especially effective for portraits and still life drawings.
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.png?resize=600%2C599&ssl=1)
You might also enjoy: Fun and Easy Scribble Drawings
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/xxxxxxxxxxx.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
5. Stippling
Stippling is enjoyable but can be quite time-consuming. I suggest starting with a small drawing to gauge the amount of time it requires.
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
When using the stippling technique, vary the sizes of your markers to create different sizes of dots.
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
6. Zentangles and Patterns
You can also use any pattern for shading, including zentangle-style patterns. Simply assess the darkness of the pattern and fill the corresponding area with your chosen zentangle design.
![Six Shading Techniques for Your Drawings wukraft](https://i0.wp.com/wukraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/patterns-and-zenatngles.png?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1)
For inspiration on zentangles and patterns, you can explore my Pinterest board titled “Zentangle and Patterning Inspirations.”