Crosshatching

Crosshatching – the layering of parallel lines to create tone – is unlike any other drawing technique in that it is sculptural. What this means is that it is necessary to understand not only the appearance of an object, but also its shape. How much space does it take up? How do its surfaces curve and fold? These are questions that need to be answered, in addition to the obvious questions of light and shadow.

Given the unusual mental effort required in order to crosshatch well, it can be helpful to break the process down into an orderly series of steps, from initial sketch to finished drawing. My own process involves a great deal of planning at the outset, gradually leading into a less regimented, more free-form approach later on.

The early steps are most important – and most difficult – because