Ok, I'm a really big noob when it comes to drawing stuff so I was pleasantly surprised when I ran into this site last year. I'm having a problem with this hatching buisness: it's really hard. One of the beginner lessons had some very neat pictures of different designs that you can do with hatching, so I said to myself, "self, this is going to be a piece of cake." However, this turned into quite a challenge. When doing quick successions of lines, they tend to bend back on themselves at the start. When doing the hair, the gradations are very drastic and it looks like one big blob.

So, I need help.

1.) Does it make any difference the type of pencil you use or the paper? I am using some Ticonderoga #2 pencils intended for writing (which, with my hand, tend to make dark sketching lines that won't erase completely.) I am using some standard printer paper. I guess it's quite primitive and I could get bona fide drawing equipment.

2.) I need some technique advice. What do you do when you make your hatching marks? Do you use your wrist only or your arm as well?

I understand that the more I practice the better my hatching skills will increase, but it's kinda depressing when they aren't straight when they need to be straight etc. How long did it take you to get uber hatching skillz? So far I'm into the "Drawing with Lines" lesson set and it's really fun. It's really hard though. I hope it gets better. Thanks for the advice!

can you post a hatching job you did?

Loops at the ends? I've found that, too - I go a little slower, try to make sure that I'm still moving in the right direction when I lift the pencil-tip from the paper, instead of starting the return before lifting.



They're soft? comparable to what - 2B or not 2B ? (sorry, very old pencil joke, I know). Does this mean that you are pressing heavily?

I like bristol board, personally, as a smooth surface - but others here will be more experienced.



arm - and I hold the pencil well back, and lightly, and build density gradually in multiple layers (this in itself has an "averaging" effect)


Dave

I think I am pressing heavily so maybe I should work on my arm/fingers a bit

As far as uploading a picture of the hatching, I will get right down to it tomorrow when I whip up another hatching sheet, once I find the lesson and get the scanner up and working. I warn you, it's mighty embarrasing.

Hildebrand,

A lot of folk find that they run into problems hatching. Some of it can be as simple as using your wrist to draw. If you move just your wrist you will notice that your pencil will move in a bit of an arc, and so your lines may overlap at the ends. If you move the whole arm from the shoulder (or even just from the elbow) you will find that you can keep lines straight, more easily.

Try doing both movements and see if they work for you. Also you could be pressing too hard - as hard as it seems hold your pencil as though it is fragile & could break (not a death grip) and press more lightly. You build your colour through layers and using different grades of graphite to get lighter or darker tones.

See if those things help a little - I am sure others will be able to help with more info than what I can give, too.