Video 10: Drawing Techniques

Drawing media (medium) refers to the material that is used to create a drawing. This
course will explore a variety of drawing media in later videos.

In this video, we will explore drawing techniques, which refer to the processes media
is applied to a surface. Some drawing techniques are better suited for specific types of
media.

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 Hatching

Hatching is a drawing method in

which the medium is applied using
lines that do not cross over each
other. The closer that lines are
placed to each other, the darker the
value or shading.

When hatching is applied to a

drawing with consideration to the
contours of the object, the illusion of
form is enhanced.

Hatching is best suited for...

• Pen and ink

• Colored pencils
• Graphite

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 Cross Hatching

Cross hatching is a drawing

method in which the medium is
applied using lines that cross over
each other. The more often the lines
cross over each other, the darker
the value or shading.

Cross hatching is often combined

with hatching in drawings to create
the greatest variety of value.

Cross hatching is best suited for...

• Pen and ink

• Colored pencils
• Graphite

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 Blending

Blending is a drawing method in

which the medium is applied by
varying pressure. The more
pressure applied to the surface with
the medium, the darker the value or
shading.

Blending is used to create smooth

gradations of value. These
gradations can be enhanced by
using a blending stump to blend the
medium.

Blending is best suited for...

• Graphite
• Colored pencils
• Charcoal
• Conté
• Soft pastel
• Oil Pastel

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 Rendering

Rendering is a drawing method in

which the medium is erased.
Rendering is generally used in
conjunction with other drawing
techniques like blending.

The term rendering is often used for

any type of visual depiction. It is
most often used in reference to
architectural drawings of proposed
buildings.

Rendering is best suited for...

• Graphite
• Charcoal

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 Random Lines

Using random lines can be an

effective way to produce a drawing.
By building up layers of random
lines, a variety of values can be
created.

Using random lines in a drawing

allows the artist to work quickly and
loosely. Using this method can
produce vibrant drawings that have
a sense of movement along with
interesting texture.

Drawing with random lines is

best suited for...

• Graphite
• Pen and ink
• Colored pencils
• Soft pastels
• Oil Pastels

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 Stippling

Stippling is a drawing method in

which countless dots are added to a
surface to build up the values of the
drawing.

Although very time consuming,

stippling allows the artist to have full
control over gradations of values in
a drawing.

Stippling is best suited for...

• Pen and ink

• Oil Pastels

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