What purpose does hatching serve in drawing?

Hatching serves primarily to create shading and tones in a drawing. This technique involves the use of closely spaced parallel lines to indicate variations in light and shadow, allowing artists to suggest the volume and depth of objects. By adjusting the density and orientation of the lines, hatching can convey different levels of darkness and light, thus playing a crucial role in the depiction of dimensionality and texture.

When artists utilize hatching effectively, they can manipulate how light interacts with surfaces, which adds realism to their work. This technique is particularly important in black-and-white drawing, where the absence of color necessitates other means of conveying visual depth and form. Hatching is a fundamental skill in drawing, used across various styles and periods of art, emphasizing its importance in foundational art education.