Shading Techniques Sampler

Practice hatching in this art lesson: shading techniques sampler.

🎨 Studio Brief #2

There are many ways to create value: hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, blending, and scumbling.

🎯 Your mission

Spend 10 quiet minutes with this project.

⚡ The twist

Don't fix mistakes. Build with them.

What you'll learn

There are many ways to create value: hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, blending, and scumbling. Each creates a different texture and mood.

Get ready

Techniques you'll practise

hatchingcross-hatchingstippling

PaletteAcrylic paintSketch paper

Step 1 of 4

Divide your paper into 5 sections. Label each: hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, blending, scumbling.

Step 2 of 4

In each section, shade from light to dark using only that technique.

Step 3 of 4

Draw a simple object (like an apple) five times, shading each with a different technique.

Step 4 of 4

Decide which technique you prefer and practice it on a larger drawing.

Did you know?

🤯 Mind = Blown

🤯 Art rules exist mostly so you can break them on purpose.

🌟 Artist Spotlight

🎨 Every artist you've heard of started with one wobbly first try.

You did it!

🎯

We'll pick an art project that matches exactly where your skills are right now.

✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you see this: Art shapes everything you look at — once you notice, you can't unsee it.

🏆 Try this week: Make one piece of art today — even tiny, even messy.

👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “Tell me about the part of your art you love the most.”

Send it to a parent looking for a 15-minute screen-free creative win.