Pencil Shading Using Techniques

          Mastering pencil shading techniques will only be achieved through practicing regularly. This is because different pencils create marks that are noticeably different from one another, which means that understanding which pencil does what is extremely important.

 Basic Tips you need:

• Choose your pencils carefully.
• Create different types of shading.
• Get to know your values when shading.
•  Practice helps to provide insight.
•  Discover which shading techniques suit your style.
•  Use a darker grade (B or 2B) of pencil for your shading. Lighter grades (H, 2H etc.) will not give enough depth to your darkest tones.
•  Just start by shading the area you wish to be dark and slowly build up the tone. As you work towards the light, gradually ease the pressure on your pencil until you can no longer see the mark it makes.
• You then patiently repeat this process several times, building up a depth to the shading, adjusting any irregular areas and trying to keep the tonal changes as smooth as possible until you achieve the variation and intensity of tone that you desire.

New to using Pencil Shading? Here are 7 Pencil Shading using techniques you need to know.

Hatching :

          Lines drawn in the same direction. By drawing lines closer together, darker values are created. Leaving more space between lines results in lighter values. For rounded objects, the lines may curve slightly around the form - following the contours of the object.

Cross-Hatching :

           Lines cross over each other. The density at which the lines cross over each other determines the value that is produced.

Blending :

          Smooth gradations of value are produced either by adjusting the amount of pressure applied to the medium or by using a blending tool, such a blending stump.

Stippling :

           Applying countless small dots to build up darker values in a drawing. The density of the dots determines the value produced.

Rendering :

           Using an eraser to remove the medium to produce lighter values. This technique is typically used in conjunction with blending.

Random lines :

Loose applications of crossing lines. The frequency in which the lines cross over each determines the value produced.

  Zentangle and Mandala Shading:

Once you have mastered these basic forms, move on to irregular forms and simple still life objects. Look for the highlights, mid tones, core shadows, cast shadows, and reflected highlights. The more that you practice, the stronger you will become! If you want to know more about other media, refer these link: