Video 51 Crosshatching Exercise (Sphere) (Patreon)

⚫ Crosshatching Exercise: Sphere

By Pogzart

This sphere exercise teaches you how to build light and shadow using nothing but lines that follow the form. It’s essential practice for understanding 3D volume, light logic, and precision shading—all while developing your unique hatching rhythm.

🎯 Purpose of This Exercise:

• Master tonal range using only linework

• Understand how crosshatching follows curvature

• Practice layered strokes to describe volume and depth

• Build confidence in shading without smudging or blending

🧱 Step-by-Step Construction

✅ Step 1: Draw the Base Sphere

• Sketch a clean circle (use a guide if needed)

• Lightly mark the light source direction (top left, top right, etc.)

• Draw a core shadow arc opposite the light source

• Add a ground shadow ellipse touching the sphere's base

✍️ Step 2: Begin Hatching the Form

🔸 First Layer (Main Curve Direction):

• Hatch with light curved lines that follow the sphere’s contour

• Imagine lines wrapping around the form like latitudes on a globe

• Apply heavier pressure or denser spacing near the core shadow

• Leave the highlight area clean (where the light hits directly)

🔸 Second Layer (Cross the First):

• Hatch across the first layer in a perpendicular or diagonal direction

• Follow a slightly different arc, still wrapping the sphere

• Build midtones by tightening line spacing where needed

• Avoid pressing too hard—use layering to control tone, not pressure

🔸 Third Layer (Optional – Core Shadow Focus):

• Add a third hatch set only in the shadowed hemisphere

• Curve it subtly in a new direction (like slicing through the previous ones)

• This builds visual texture and shadow depth without making it muddy

  🎨 Pro Tips for Pogzart Students:

  • Line spacing = value. Keep your hand relaxed and consistent.

  • Don’t use outlines—let light and hatch shape the form.

  • Use less hatching on the lit side, and build up density in shadowed areas.

  • Practice breathing while hatching—it helps keep rhythm natural.

  🔁 Practice:

  • Shade 3 spheres:

    • Light from top-left

    • Light from below

    • Light from the front

  • Try 4-value versions:

    • Highlight

    • Midtone

    • Core shadow

    • Bounce light

  • Combine wave hatching + crosshatching to explore stylized blends.

  🧠 Bonus Challenge:

  Draw 2 spheres side by side:

  • One with pure straight crosshatching

  • One with cross-contour curved hatching

  👉 “Let your lines wrap like fabric around a ball of light.”
  The sphere teaches you everything about light, tone, and control.
  – Pogzart