Art Drawing Techniques and Elements: Contour, Hatching, and Composition

Contour Lines

mark the outer edges of a 3-D object using varying lines and some internal detail

Cross Contour

repeated lines that go around an object to express its three-dimensional form

Cross Hatching

drawing one set of hatchings over another in a different direction to create darker tone

Figure/Ground

the relationship of an object or positive shape to its background or field

Fixative

a thin varnish spray that holds graphite, charcoal, or pastel in place while allowing reworking

Foreground

the area usually at the bottom of the image representing space closest to the viewer

Gesture

a quick drawing that captures the essential movement or action of a live form

Hatching

creating value by drawing parallel lines

Linear

a drawing style where lines depict figures with precise and clearly defined outlines

Logo

a trademark based on letters

Media

the materials from which an artwork is made

Middle Ground

the space between foreground and background where objects appear smaller with less detail

Mixed Media

artwork created using multiple materials or techniques in one piece

Scribbling

random multidirectional lines used to build value, texture, and form

Sfumato

a subtle blending of tones from light to dark creating a smoky or hazy effect

Shape

a two-dimensional area with identifiable boundaries created by lines, color, texture, or value

Silhouette

an outline drawing often in profile filled with a solid color

Sketch

a rough drawing often used as a preliminary study

Smudging

blending marks using fingers or a paper stump (tortillon/estompe)

Stippling

creating value using small dots or dabs of color

Symbol

an identifying mark based on pictorial sources

Technique

the way an artist uses materials

Thumbnail

a small quick sketch showing the essential features of a composition

Tooth

the roughness or smoothness of the drawing surface texture