How to Cross Hatch - The Best Cross Hatching Tip

Do you get confused how to apply cross hatching? Discover the secret for knowing where to put your hatching lines. Don't just draw lines covering up the details you've drawn, but use this technique to give you direction.

[@stephentraversart]

If you’re interested in more of my videos on Cross Hatching, this link will take you to the hatching playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLwjv2r1KZs1SDR-dDw8PWMe8GzGjPuK_n

[@tommunyon2874]

My elementary school art teacher said that learning cross hatching was reserved for when we reached 6th grade. This gave the technique a certain cachet in our minds that it was so advanced and sophisticated we needed to be more mature to learn how. I eventually taught myself how to cross hatch, when the magic year had come and gone and whoever the art teacher was at the time had not taught us.

[@stephentraversart]

Sadly, much of like can be like this. A friend told me once they were so disappointed when they realised they were no longer a teenager and had never had a fun day at the beach with the giant beach balls etc that were in the Coke commercials at the time! Expectations are so hard to realise! 😀

[@davidwang3222]

This is by far the best tutorial among all the videos I have seen! Because you have demonstrate personally how to draw a picture against the real object on the photo . The student now understand every steps you have taken in the drawing so that they can follow it. Well done ! Thanks Stephen !

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks David. I haven’t really watched other videos to know that the reference image is often not shown. That seems a bit pointless to me. You’d only be able to copy the lines being drawn in the video. Glad to be of help in your drawing journey. 😀

[@ReganWare]

Excellent comment, I fully agree. Your comment is much more articulate than what I was going to write.

[@u.kw1461]

Best thing I've taken here is what you mentioned about lines following the form of shapes in the drawings. It's quite a striking difference between the two drawings you've done. Great tip

[@stephentraversart]

That’s the fundamental principle I use when I hatch. Every line counts, we can’t afford to put any line down without thought and purpose. Have fun trying it out. 😀

[@jerryye1060]

for me i know pretty much by intuition that you should almost always hatch along the surface of the form, it's how all the artists I like hatch in most of their work, so I'm surprised a lot of ppl don't know that. It probably has to do with the fact that people learn about hatching and cross-hatching way before they learn about form.

[@stephentraversart]

Yes, I always felt it was pretty intuitive. But apparently not. I think the lack of emphasis on form in drawing causes many problems . 😀

[@littleblueclovers]

11:20 helped me so much! I draw a lot of human figures and I never really liked my cross hatching because it looked like everyone was just wearing strange fishnets 😂 I should’ve tried “cross” hatching without actually crossing so hard with perpendicular lines

[@stephentraversart]

Excellent. Sounds like this technique has been very productive for you. Have fun with it. 😀

[@adrianen4644]

This explains cross hatching a million times better than most of my art classes 😅

[@stephentraversart]

These are the comments I find so encouraging. Thanks Adriane. 😀

Wow... the way you explain and demonstrate is clear, straightforward... and joyful.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks for such a generous comment 😀

[@danielkaysuo5211]

I have always had trouble with hatching, after watching your video I can already see a huge improvement on my drawings. Thank you!

[@stephentraversart]

It’s so great to hear this Daniel. The jump from teaching video to our own drawing can sometimes be a wide one. Keep at it. 😀

[@willbephore3086]

As a self taught art-er I have troweled the depths of pen and ink teachings on here. Just found your videos recently and can tell I'll be sticking around. It's an incredible amount of work to think through how to clearly present information, especially in a non live format - without questions from the audience being able to inform the bent of the instruction. You do a fantastic job, thank you for your efforts to this effect. I will be sharing with some fellow art-ing friends.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks for the encouragement Will, I really appreciate it - and of your telling your friends about my channel. Much appreciated. 😀

[@Freegurt]

Fantastic tutorial! I've always loved black/white crosshatching art, but could never do it myself well enough cause it always looked messy/amateur. This helped a lot!

[@stephentraversart]

That’s exciting to hear Roy. Exciting hatching ahead for you! I’ve just posted a video to celebrate my first million views on KZbin with my considered top three tips from all the advice/ teaching that I’ve given in over 470 videos. Have a look if you’re interested. 😀

[@Incandescentiron]

I always liked cross hatching, but not always satisfied with the results. This helps a great deal. Thank you for posting!

[@stephentraversart]

My pleasure. I’m very glad it worked out well for you. 😀

[@abbym9539]

So helpful to show tone! I’m BRAND new to drawing and without this video cross hatching would have been pointless to me.

[@stephentraversart]

You are so welcome!😀

[@benjamin.belcher]

I started learning with Proko and have been going through some art books and looking to go to the next level when I stumble across your channel, and what an excellent discovery. This comment could go under any of your videos but I want to express my gratitude. My art will much improve because of you. Thank you!

[@stephentraversart]

What an encouraging comment to read Benjamin. Thanks for your kind words. All the best with your drawing, whatever you use. 😀

[@madebylora]

I already try to shape my hatching lines if I’m drawing something that is curved, but now I’ll be thinking much more about the direction of my hatching for other surface shapes too! Thank you!

[@stephentraversart]

Sounds like you’ve definitely caught on to this Lora. All the best putting it into practice. 😀

[@RadarLakeKosh]

I feel like this is a concept I stumbled upon by intuition in my own experiments with line drawing... and yet until you articulated it so masterfully I wasn't able to use it with any intention. Thank you for demonstrating this technique in such an insightful way.

[@stephentraversart]

I’m really pleased to have been of help. Have fun using this technique even now. 😀

[@LlednarHugh]

I just glanced over your channel when I came across your profile on Instagram. I can positively say, I am very interested. You cover much of the topic that I want to learn.

[@stephentraversart]

I'm really pleased about that Clarence. All the best as you develop your drawing. :)

[@LlednarHugh]

@@stephentraversart thank you✌️

[@joannamastron]

I've been dabbling with crosshatching, but it always seemed to fall flat and I wasn't sure why. Your video really helped me realize exactly what I need to work on! In hindsight, following the underlying shapes with the hatch marks seems like such an obvious concept but for some reason I tend to forget about it when caught up in a drawing. This is one of the most helpful art instructional videos I've seen :)

[@stephentraversart]

How encouraging for both of us Joanna. Thanks for telling me. 😀

[@halasamer4505]

I have to draw cross hatching drawing and submit it for my professor.. I had no idea what is cross hatching.. thank you so much

[@stephentraversart]

Haha. That’s so great to hear!😆. I hope some of my other videos will be helpful as well. All the best. 😀

[@halasamer4505]

@@stephentraversart Thank you so much .. I just finished my drawing and it turned out pretty good as my first try. Absolutely I am gonna watch your videos.. you are the best

[@KeithRodri]

You clearly highlighted several concepts for me that I knew of, but were still foggy or blurry. By watching this you've helped clear those concepts considerably. Thanks!!

[@stephentraversart]

That’s great Keith. I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. 😀

[@MawoDuffer]

I was always stuck on making all the hatch lines go in the same direction because I thought it would be a clean look but now it makes sense that it looks more clean to follow the forms of the subject matter

[@stephentraversart]

Try both, and use whatever works best for the drawing you are wanting. It’s about having choices and flexibility for different effects. But this works for me most of the time. 😀

[@nicoletz7119]

This is really helpful. Now, i understand why my cross hatching looks smudge because of the direction of the lines. Tyms.💚

[@stephentraversart]

Glad to have been a help. 😀

[@dddi2571]

This is incredible. I've always wanted to get into art: specifically landscape and architecture much like this, but I struggle so much with perspective and my drawing are always warped and mishappen. The outline you did at the start was already breathtaking to me, I really hope I can learn to draw like you.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Doddi. Much appreciated. I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. 😀

[@poludicu]

I really like these talking hands tutorial! Thank you!

[@stephentraversart]

Haha. Thanks Marta 😀

[@paulskaminsky4220]

I have just started watching these videos and now realize what a bunch of crappy art teachers I had in school. Mostly "here draw or paint this' then we were graded! No teaching, I wish someone like you had been there as I think everyone would have benefited much more and maybe actually liked art class.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Paul I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. Hopefully you can make up for lost time. 😀

[@xobriquet]

You explain things so crisply. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Alison. Much appreciated 😀

[@nicolemurray449]

this took my drawing up 10 levels

[@stephentraversart]

Excellent. Thanks for telling me 👏👏👏

[@lazarusgray1188]

Your ability to teach others to think in different ways is a great asset, to both yourself and everyone who listens. Thanks Stephen. I checked your website. Your paintings are so very accomplished. (That may sound glib coming from a casual viewer, but I'm a framer with over forty years experience - one of not too many in this country these days. I've worked closely with many famous Australian artists and galleries over the years, so I do know something about art. Yours is top level. Beautiful, evocative work.)

[@stephentraversart]

Such generous encouragement Lazarus, much appreciated. I hope to get back to painting but in a more gestural way, influenced in some way by my drawing. I suppose my teaching reflects how I’ve learned and what I value in drawing. 😀

[@goatsplitter]

This is great! you know, after years of sketch work, I had come to the better cross hatching method but really couldn't articulate why. It's just the technique that I came into over time because practice told me that it looked better. Your explanation is like an ah-hah moment for me, as silly as it sounds, you'd think I would have come to the conclusion of WHY. :) Thank you!

[@stephentraversart]

As long as we do enough thoughtful drawing, intuition will lead us to many good places. 👏😀

[@user-gk9ut9qc1o]

this uncle draws so well! you are very well trained in architecture.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks. I actually have no training in architecture, but I hope I have learned some things anyhow. 😀

[@poszy6]

Just realised that basicly the hatching should follow the perspective :D I never quite understand how artists decide what directions the hatching lines should be, and now I understand it :D so cool! thanks :)

[@stephentraversart]

In the end, it’s whatever you feel suits how you want the drawing to look. But I’m glad you got some more options. Have fun trying them out. 😀

[@frozenyogurth]

You are an incredible teacher! I'Ve watched a few of your videos on drawing and you explain the concepts and ideas you'Re trying to convey incredibly well!!

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks. Appreciate your kindness in saying so. 😀

[@waynestrong430]

Thanks, Stephen! I now understand the principles of hatching to put the theory into practice. Love your work, mate.

[@stephentraversart]

Sound great Wayne. Have fun using it. 😀

[@chelsearussell3778]

Thank you, your explanation for cross hatching is so clear and straight forward it makes me want to try it right away.

[@stephentraversart]

Excellent. I have a cross hatch playlist if you’re interested in more on this 😀

[@neji4842]

you are a really great teacher! i am happy i came across your channel.

[@stephentraversart]

I am glad as well. Welcome aboard. 😀

[@Cinodonte_]

Thank u, so it looks much more natural when you follow the shape of the subject

[@stephentraversart]

I think so. My latest video does this with a large tree kzbin.info/www/bejne/bl6lh61jrc-YbK8 If you’re interested. 😀

[@Spitfireseven]

Really good video my friend. You have a natural talent for explaining things in a matter of fact fashion that makes it easy for someone to pickup. It was really great how you covered each point in a relaxed and eloquent fashion. It really worked.

[@stephentraversart]

Fantastic to hear Anthony. Thanks for saying so 😀

[@IzabellaCostan]

Thank you so much for this demonstration! I still have a lot to learn and this helped tremendously. Great tips!

[@stephentraversart]

Great to hear Izabella. Thanks 😀

[@amexjam55]

This makes perfect sense. I'll be sure to apply this new knowledge in my drawings. Thank you, sir.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks for telling me. It’s always encouraging to hear my videos make sense. 😀

[@markstewart1986]

This is brilliant! Im really appreciative of your videos and look forward to learnijg as much as i can 😊

[@recreepy]

Your paintings and artwork empathize, it is a story to share.

[@stephentraversart]

Thank you 😀

[@Shinobubu]

A Master class in cross hatching!

[@stephentraversart]

Thank you for your kind words Shinobu. 😀

[@_jurd]

I saw that you respond to pretty much all of your comments and thought that was super cool. Subscribed

[@stephentraversart]

I try to Jared. It feels rude not to, reply, but it’s becoming very difficult as my channel grows. Welcome aboard, hope your drawing benefits. 😀

[@johngalvin6010]

This was a great introduction to cross hatching. It will help me to bring my drawings to life. Thank you

[@stephentraversart]

That’s great John. I have a few more videos on a cross hatching playlist if you’d like to see more examples. 😀

[@DeAzul7902]

Wonderful! Boy... am I glad I found YOU!!! 😊😊😊 Excellent end -of-my-day instruction to live by. Thank you.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Dar. Such enthusiasm is encouraging. 😀

[@bettyzhang2683]

I love your videos and tips very much, short and clear. I found it very useful. Thank you, Stephen.

[@stephentraversart]

Kind of you to tell me Betty. Much appreciated. 😀

[@greensaintjester6392]

Sir you are my new fav art KZbinr.. I seen a lot of you're videos in these week.. And it Defently helped me a lot

[@stephentraversart]

Thank you for telling me. It is very encouraging. Could you please also tell your friends about my KZbin channel. That will help me as well. All the best with your drawing. 😀

[@halo12390]

this will be usefull. dont have my digital drawing tablet with me these days so im getting back into pen and paper. i'm gonna have some fun with this. thanks so much for creating these videos

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Scarlet. I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. 😀

[@halo12390]

@@stephentraversart awesome! I'll check that out when i get home! 😁

[@nickreilly3036]

Great tips! I’m just starting out with art and drawing in general, so these videos have been very helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@stephentraversart]

Great to hear Nick. Keep on with the drawing! All the best. :)

[@gloriaa3652]

Wow! Who knew there was so much power in hatching. Thank you.

[@stephentraversart]

Now that you do Gloria, you must use your new powers for good!😆

[@rentakaww]

Thank you so much for all of these amazing tutorials. Your channel is by far the only one I've come by that's actually helpful. Absolutely saved my art🙏😭

[@masonheath8044]

this is so smart, such a great way to think about hatching

[@stephentraversart]

My pleasure Mason😀

[@rencix8]

Thank you for your time spent sharing this knowledge and tips. I benefitted a lot from your video, I am just starting to learn this technique.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks for telling me.

[@nwiegman]

Thank you. I like your analytical way of thinking. It is said value does all the work and color gets all the credit. It is thru value differences we create the illusion of form. By having only two tools - white paper and a line you make the magic happen- well done. I do want more of your secrets of creating the illusion of art.

[@stephentraversart]

Haha. Thanks Nelson. I like that about value and colour. Line can feel counterintuitive at times, but can usually deliver the goods. I have started a playlist on drawing the effect of detail recently if you’re interested in checking it out. Have fun. 😀

[@fgponyoutube]

really great video, felt like i was paying for this. Thanks!

[@stephentraversart]

Well, you can if you want to!🤣. Glad to have been helpful. All the best putting it into practice. 😀

[@davidrobinson9507]

Thanks! I kind of already know and do all this but it helps to see someone so good at it to affirm what I believe to be true. For example the slight angle change cross hatch which doesn't confuse the directionality of the plane. Happy lines!

[@stephentraversart]

That’s great Daniel.. I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. Have fun hatching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4fRf6SInJKFoMU

[@justmejhbmed9778]

That all makes super sense and the best effect. Thanks

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks 😀

[@juridittrich6396]

awesome video. its hard to tell what makes this video so much better than the others, but it truly is.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Juri. That’s encouraging to hear. I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4fRf6SInJKFoMU

[@coolshah1662]

So good! I use this frequently. Never knew this was called hatching, haha; however, I learned a new trick today. Thank you so much!

[@stephentraversart]

Excellent. I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. 😀

[@coolshah1662]

@@stephentraversart Will check it out. Thanks!

[@charlesjoshi5154]

So helpful, Thank you, now I know how to do it properly

[@stephentraversart]

There are other ways as well.It’s more about having options so you can choose the one that works best for you in a given drawing. 😀

[@normalgraham]

Such a pivotal nuance, thank you so much for illustrating this principle!

[@stephentraversart]

I’m really glad it resonated with you so well. Have fun with it. 😀

[@user-yl4lf9mh1w]

perfect tutorial, and I just had an ah ha moment watching it. You have elevated my skill, thank you.

[@stephentraversart]

Exactly what every teacher hopes to here. There’ll be no stopping you now!😀

[@littlefluffyspace8461]

Thank you for sharing this technique. Most appreciated :) !

[@stephentraversart]

Hope it’s helpful for your drawing. 😀

[@ruicruz8641]

Excellent example and something I have struggled with. Let's hope I can improve using these useful tips. Very clearly explained as well. Thank you!

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks for telling me this Rui. I also hope you can put it to use. 😀

[@jeromebonto8680]

Thank you Stephen. This is very helpful to understand hatching.

[@stephentraversart]

My pleasure Jerome. 😀

[@ducanhlv1]

Thank you for this awesome technique!

[@stephentraversart]

Glad it was helpful.

[@ryanmooncat3949]

Thanks so much. Great demonstration.

[@stephentraversart]

Glad it was helpful!😀

[@mattsuran1270]

Great video on explanation of technique.

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Matt. Have fun trying it out. 😀

[@mathieuvart]

Great tutorial thank you Stephen! I love inked hatching artworks, my favorite artist is Gustave Doré so it gives you an idea how much I love watching and doing cross hatching art.

[@stephentraversart]

And why wouldn’t you love it Mathieu. So many possibilities with it. I’ve just posted a video on creating detail with cross hatching if your interested. 😀

[@mathieuvart]

@@stephentraversart i'll look at it today thank you

[@El_papa_de_Rambo]

Great tip, thanks!

[@gailmoniz3243]

What a talented doggie! Also handsome.

[@YankeeY]

This channel is absolutely fantastic, thank you so much!!

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks. I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. 😀

[@mica4977]

Very well presented and made!

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Mica. I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. 😀

[@NameLikeNobodyElse]

This is the video I have been waiting for.. it's the thing that's been keeping me from putting pen to paper & attempting to draw the detail effect like you do. Mine would be drawing number one. Now that I have this tidbit of info, yeah, I have a better direction now without random scribble-hatch. Maybe do another one of these hatching videos on a different subject with a different type of details/textures, since this one was from a while back. Thanks.

[@stephentraversart]

Glad this was so helpful. Yes, it’s probably time for another take on this subject. I’ve just posted a video to celebrate my first million views on KZbin with my considered top three tips from all the advice/ teaching that I’ve given in over 470 videos. Have a look if you’re interested. 😀

[@rloach067]

This helps so much! i really pen and ink drawings, and i have done them for a while, but i could feel that sometimes when i hatched like the first example, the picture would feel somehow confusing. The shapes would be less easy to identify, and at a glance it just felt like tone with no shape, which to be fair, it was. Seeing you demonstrate how much easier to decode the picture is with the second form of hatching, has finally convinced me that it really is better to make that extra effort for better readibility. It sounds obvious in a way, but some things just don't click right away until you see them in action. Thank you so much!

[@stephentraversart]

I’m so glad this way of presenting it made it clear. I’ve just posted a video to celebrate my first million views on KZbin with my considered top three tips from all the advice/ teaching that I’ve given in over 470 videos. Have a look if you’re interested. 😀

[@rloach067]

@@stephentraversart will do! 😁 thank you!

[@karincarter4962]

Thank you ! Most useful information ! 😊

[@stephentraversart]

Great to hear. Thanks 😀

[@Cainmak]

Your work is so inspiring

[@stephentraversart]

Thank you. That’s encouraging to hear. 😀

[@anlslfyw7613]

Thank you so much!! Really great video

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks. If you’re interested in more I have a hatching playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLwjv2r1KZs1SDR-dDw8PWMe8GzGjPuK_n&si=a1eVPb65hlzPOAqq

[@lly240]

amazing tutorial, very informative

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks. Great to hear😀

[@sweethomes674]

Excellent explanations 😊

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks 😀

[@_eris]

nice work, nice teatching ! thanks to share your technic !

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Eris. I appreciate your taking the time to tell me. 😀

[@shakulaka]

Amazing video, amazing technique, amazing person. Thanks Mister Travers, will use this profoundly in the future

[@stephentraversart]

Glad it was so helpful for you. All the best using this in your drawing. 😀

[@kitij.a]

You are amazing and inspiring!

[@stephentraversart]

Thank you. that's kind to be so encouraging.

[@Dakryon]

Excelentes consejos, ¡muchas gracias! Lo pondré en práctica.

[@stephentraversart]

Me gusta mucho. Gracias 😀

[@ninjainart]

Very helpful video, thanks a lot!

[@stephentraversart]

Kind of you to tell me. Thanks Ninja 😀

[@Andrew-cp6ko]

Very helpful tutorial!

[@stephentraversart]

That’s great Andrew. Thanks 😀

[@marsw9155]

Thank you I always wondered why my drawings don't have enough depth.

[@stephentraversart]

Hope it’s helpful for you. 😀

[@AChapstickOrange]

Very insightful!

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Andrew. Glad you think so.

[@abacdse]

Great drawing and advice

[@stephentraversart]

Great to hear. Thanks for telling me. :)

[@emmanuelwolfmusic410]

brilliant video, thankyou.

[@stephentraversart]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@emmanuelwolfmusic410]

Absolutely loved it, infact it spured me in to get back into drawing, its been a while .its so satisfying though, i find the lines and the ink such a great medium to work with on a real nice piece of paper. ​@stephentraversart

[@joseluiscastanorestrepo]

Great tutorial. Thanks

[@stephentraversart]

My pleasure Jose. I have a hatching playlist if you’re interested. kzbin.info/aero/PLwjv2r1KZs1SDR-dDw8PWMe8GzGjPuK_n&si=a1eVPb65hlzPOAqq

[@joseluiscastanorestrepo]

Thansk Stephen.

[@sulema2]

Se ve tan fácil 😣, felicidades maestro!

[@stephentraversart]

Gracias, eres muy amable. 😀

[@chrisroe3737]

I appreciate this video!! Kia ora.

[@stephentraversart]

Glad it was helpful Chris. Greetings across the Tasman 😀

[@thousandaireradio3199]

Great tutorial!!! 👍!!!

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks. I’ve just posted a new video on a cross hatching method for irregular shapes if you’re interested. 😀

[@mf3396]

Great video!

[@stephentraversart]

Glad you enjoyed it😀

[@catalinavillegas-burgos589]

I can't wait to try this! You are very generous. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!! I have a question: do you have a video explaining how to measure the reference using your pen? That trick seems so nice!

[@stephentraversart]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2arcq2hYqmLrpY This one explains that. 😀

[@babujishanmugathevar178]

Very very helpful..thanks a lot

[@stephentraversart]

That’s great. I appreciate your comment Babuji😀

[@Angie_flores]

This was sooo good 💯

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks Angie 😀

[@ogostodacachacaseuze2518]

great video👍

[@stephentraversart]

Thanks. 😀

[@not..A..channel]

thank you sir for these tips, my sketches looks better when i introduce hatching lines as per the surface of the object (curved lines for spherical objects and straight for flat surfaces).

[@stephentraversart]

Exactly what I was hoping would happen. Congratulations. 😀