Crosshatching

Looking to improve your ink drawing skills with cleaner values and better depth? In this concise and engaging demo, artist Stuart Loughridge shows you how to master crosshatching through a simple value scale exercise that sharpens your eye and strengthens your control.

Using a Lamy extra-fine fountain pen and a bit of pencil for layout, Stuart walks you through building values step by step—starting with light hatching and layering in progressively darker tones by changing the angle of each pass. You'll see how varying line direction creates subtle gradations and clear separations between light, mid-tone, and shadow, all with minimal tools.

This approachable lesson is perfect for anyone looking to train their hand in pen work, whether you're working on figure studies, landscapes, or simply want to add richer tones to your sketchbook pages. Stuart’s calm voice and straightforward breakdown make it easy to follow, even if you’re just starting out.

The best part? It’s a small, focused practice you can do anytime, anywhere. By the end of the video, you’ll understand how to layer ink lines effectively, avoid overworking, and build value structure with confidence. Whether you're working in pen, ink wash, or transitioning your drawing skills into paint, this is a solid foundational tool to keep in your practice.

Grab a pen and follow along; you’ll be surprised how much dimension you can achieve with just a few thoughtful strokes.