Short answer
Hatching (parallel lines) is the most useful: closer lines read darker. Cross hatching goes darker still. Stippling suits sand and gravel, scribbling suits foliage, and blending suits skies and mist. Match the mark to the surface.
The techniques
Shading techniques and where to use them
| Technique | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hatching | Parallel lines; space them closer for darker | Hills, shadow sides, distant tone |
| Cross hatching | A second layer of lines at an angle to the first | Deep shadows, dark rock, pine masses |
| Stippling | Dots; more dots for darker | Sand, gravel, lichen, soft gradients in ink |
| Scribbling | Small looping marks | Foliage, bushes, grass texture |
| Blending | Even tone smoothed with a stump or tissue | Skies, mist, still water, charcoal |
| Lifting | Taking tone away with a kneaded eraser | Cloud tops, ripples, light on water |
How to hatch well
- Short, straight strokes from the wrist, about an inch long. Long strokes curve.
- Even spacing within an area. Change spacing to change value.
- Layer, do not press. Build darks with more layers and a softer pencil, not by digging in with a hard one, which dents the paper.
- Lift the pencil at the end of each stroke so lines taper.
Shading in different media
- Graphite: all techniques work. Soft grades blend, hard grades hatch cleanly. See drawing pencils.
- Ink: no blending, so hatching, cross hatching and stippling do all the work. See pen and ink landscapes.
- Charcoal: made for blending and lifting; hatch with a charcoal pencil for edges. See charcoal landscapes.
What you need
Shading only works if the values are right. Plan them first with value.
Questions people ask
What is hatching in drawing?
Shading with parallel lines. The closer together and heavier the lines, the darker the tone. Hatching works in pencil and ink and keeps a drawing crisp.
Should I blend pencil with my finger?
A blending stump or tissue is better. Fingers leave oil on the paper, which can make later layers patchy. Blend sparingly; too much smudging makes drawings look muddy.
Which shading technique is best for beginners?
Hatching. It is controllable, it builds value in clear steps, and it works in every medium, including pen where blending is not possible.
Which direction should hatching go?
Pick one direction for most of the drawing so it reads as tone, not texture. For water, hatch horizontally. For tree trunks and grass, follow the form.
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Product lines and listings change; check the details before you buy.