definition of cross contour lines in art

Rather than all parallel marks, this method uses short sets of parallel marks in one direction, then an adjacent group of parallel marks in an almost perpendicular direction. I don’t know that there is an official name for this type of hatching, but it is a very striking and graphic style of hatching when used correctly. A fine-line pen is the best tool for fine crosshatching, as the close marks will appear to blend together from a distance. The method is the same as above, with several layers of cross hatch marks rather than just two, to create even more nuanced differences in tone and value. This is the richest and most subtle form of crosshatching, and it might even read as a tonal or pencil-shaded drawing from far away. Cross hatching can be applied as simple straight lines, just like parallel hatching, or it can follow the contours of the subject as below. As you can see, it creates a richer overall feel to the drawing. This method is one of the quickest and most effective ways to vary the density and darken the values in your hatching. After laying down one pass of hatch marks, another set of hatch marks are drawn on top, usually in a perpendicular or near-perpendicular direction to the first set. This is such a well-known method that nearly every artist has encountered it, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. This method of hatching greatly enhances the sense of volume and three-dimensionality of anything you are drawing, in addition to providing value. Here, the hatch marks follow the curves of the hand. Rather than simple parallel lines, contour hatching is when the lines follow the contours of the subject. When you increase the density of a collection of hatch marks, the area will appear darker, which can be useful for creating value variations as we’ll see. Notice that some hatch marks are closer together, such as along the top of the index finger. All of the hatching is vertical in the example below, but it can be at any angle. Anywhere you put hatching in a drawing, that area will appear darker or in shadow, and anywhere you don’t will appear as a highlight. It consists of rows of parallel lines placed closely together. Parallel hatching is one of the most basic forms of hatching, and it’s still a very effective way of demonstrating value (light and dark) in a drawing. Hilltop at Evening Georgio Morandi 1928 1. Best of all, these methods work just as easily in both pencil and pen and ink! Let’s take a look at six basic forms of hatching and crosshatching. These techniques use simple lines in various arrangements and densities to create a solid sense of atmospheric perspective and contour. Hatching and crosshatching are some of the most valuable tools for generating value and texture in a drawing. Drawing is all about mark-making, after all. One of the most important tools you can have at your disposal as an artist is a strong knowledge of hatching and cross hatching.

Definition of cross contour lines in art