Shading Techniques

Shading Techniques

Different shading techniques are used to create the illusion of form, depth, volume, and light for three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. This can be done by using various textures and tones. Shading is also how a surface and textures are portrayed using lines, dots, and scribbles.

In this article, we will go through 5 of the most common shading techniques along with examples of each. We will also briefly talk about how lighting plays an important role in choosing shading methods.

For more information about lighting, check out Lighting 1 or Lighting 2.

A shading value scale shows the range of tones and shades from light to dark using your chosen method. It can be helpful to start off with to recreate specific values on your piece. The goal of shading is to create a smooth, gradual transition from one tone to another.

In a value scale, one end will be the lightest value without shading. This is usually white. In the middle, there will be midtone grays, going darker and darker as they get closer to the opposite end. On the opposite end will be the darkest value with the greatest shading. This is usually black.

Using this value scale, you can create contrast in your illustration and prevent making it too dark. This scale will also assist with creating a balance between values.

After you finish, redraw the same value scale, but this time do not create individual boxes. Instead, create a smooth value scale with seamless transitions between all the values as shown below:

A value scale can help you visualize different values. However, technique is required to use these values and create pieces with more depth. Here are 5 common shading techniques that can help you apply form, depth, and dimension to your artwork.

With hatching, practice making the lines as even as possible. Later, when you’re filling a large area with hatchings, use shorter strokes (as shown on the left image) instead of long lines (shown in the right image) to make it look more organized. It’s also easier to control your drawing utensil with shorter hatches.

You can practice keeping your lines neat and consistent as you change direction (vertical and horizontal or diagonal). This helps build depth and texture, alongside improving your exercise control with the drawing utensil.

An example is this egg drawn with crosshatching:

Stippling takes a lot of patience, but it can create very detailed and textured values (check out modern artist Miguel Endara’s portraits done with stippling, as seen below). Try to avoid rushing, as random or uneven dots can make a drawing look messy.

Here’s a sketch of a pear using stippling to create different gradients and depth:

Scumbling is especially great for creating fur textures. It’s also helpful to focus on keeping your marks consistent in size and avoiding pressing too hard at first.

Here’s a quick sketch that uses scumbling for the tail:

The loose, overlapping loops help create a sense of volume and texture in the tail. By layering the scribbles, you can capture the soft look of fur without having to draw every individual strand of hair.

To practice, try to move your wrist more, following a natural curve, and loosen up your hand motions. Motions should be less controlled than when you’re doing hatchings.

Here’s a drawing done with contour shading as well as all the techniques introduced above:

Notice the cross-hatching which wraps the object. The hatches on the outside create contrast and definition in the background.

Shading and lighting go hand in hand; when light hits an object, it naturally separates into different values that define its shape and position in space.

To put it into practice, here’s a breakdown of the sphere from above:

Blending is used to create smoother, more gradual transitions between light and dark areas. Instead of visible lines such as hatching and cross-hatching, blended shading looks softer and more seamless.

To do this, it is recommended that you start with hatchings (left box), then blend it out with tools such as a blending stick (recommended) or more accessible options like tissues and cotton swabs. You can even try blending with your finger; it may not be as smooth as a tool, but it’s a good way to experiment and see what works best for you.

The primary difference is the streaks left behind after blending. For smoother blending, apply more pressure and use a clean blending tool for better control.

After you have developed a basic understanding of different shading techniques, practice is the best way to help you improve upon and refine these skills.

Starting with simple 3D geometric shapes can be helpful. You can find some references on Pinterest or websites such as Practice Drawing This. Below some suggested exercises.

Most importantly, remember to layer your shading; don’t begin too dark. Build up your values gradually.

Shading is a fundamental skill for creating depth in drawings. By understanding the value scale and practicing different shading techniques, you can use light and shadow more effectively to make figures appear more realistic. Lighting is also crucial, as it determines how these values appear and interact within a composition. Lastly, remember that practice is key. Try sketching objects around you using different techniques. Over time, you’ll discover which method you enjoy most, and it will start to feel more natural.