If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my drawing journey, it’s that there’s no single “right” way to draw—only the way that feels right for you. We all have different rhythms, preferences, and instincts when we pick up a pencil. For a long time, I tried to force myself into techniques that didn’t quite fit. I thought that if I could master a particular method—be it cross-hatching, contour, or gesture—I’d finally be “good.”
But what I really needed was to experiment—to try different styles and listen to which one resonated with my hand, eye, and creative soul. In this article, I want to walk you through three foundational drawing styles: cross-hatching, contour, and gesture. I’ll share how each one works, how they feel, and how you might figure out which one (or ones!) suit you best.
Because drawing isn’t just about technique—it’s about finding your artistic voice.
Cross-Hatching: Controlled, Textured, and Analytical
Cross-hatching was the first technique I ever took seriously. I loved how the marks built up slowly, how the lines crisscrossed like tiny architectural supports, shaping light and form through pure repetition.
What is it?
Cross-hatching is a shading technique that uses sets of parallel lines layered at different angles to create value and texture. The denser the lines, the darker the area.
What it feels like:
When I draw with cross-hatching, I feel focused, precise, and almost meditative. It’s all about control—both in pressure and placement. It’s a fantastic method if you like structure and enjoy watching a drawing slowly evolve from simple line work into something dimensional and rich.
When it works best:
- Creating depth and volume through careful value shifts
- Illustrating form with a classic, almost old-world feel
- Projects that require time, attention, and patience
Tips I’ve learned:
- Start light—you can always add more lines, but it’s hard to take them away.
- Vary line direction and spacing for a more organic feel.
- Try using cross-hatching to suggest texture—it works beautifully for things like hair, bark, cloth, and fur.
Do you enjoy slow, thoughtful processes? Like detail and control? You might fall in love with cross-hatching.
Contour Drawing: Observational, Fluid, and Focused
Contour drawing came into my life through a life-drawing class where we weren’t allowed to look at the page. Yep—blind contour drawing. At first, it felt silly. But by the end of the session, I had developed a whole new way of seeing.
What is it?
Contour drawing involves tracing the outlines and major internal shapes of a subject. It’s less about shading and more about capturing the essence and structure of form through continuous line.
What it feels like:
Drawing contours is like scanning your subject with your eyes and recording it with your hand in one synchronized motion. It’s intimate. Sometimes nerve-wracking. And surprisingly expressive.
When it works best:
- Training your eye-hand coordination
- Capturing the core of a subject with minimal lines
- Exploring shape and structure without the pressure of perfection
Tips I’ve learned:
- Try blind contour drawing to loosen up—it sharpens your observation skills.
- Use one long, unbroken line if you can—it builds confidence.
- Experiment with line weight (pressure) to add variety and depth.
Do you like drawing as a meditative, observational act? Are you intrigued by minimalism or expressive outlines? Contour drawing might be your match.
Gesture Drawing: Expressive, Energetic, and Intuitive
Gesture drawing is the heartbeat of my practice. It’s what I turn to when I feel stuck, rigid, or creatively blocked. It’s movement, energy, and instinct—distilled into marks.
What is it?
Gesture drawing is the practice of quickly sketching the motion, flow, or general form of a subject—especially the human body. It prioritizes feeling over detail, and action over accuracy.
What it feels like:
Loose. Free. Physical. Sometimes, it feels like dancing on the page. There’s no time to overthink—just respond.
When it works best:
- Warming up before a longer drawing session
- Capturing movement in people or animals
- Loosening up a tight or overworked drawing habit
Tips I’ve learned:
- Set a timer—30 seconds to 2 minutes is perfect for practice.
- Focus on the line of action: the main curve or thrust of the pose.
- Don’t erase. Let the lines pile up and show the energy.
Do you love spontaneity? Does drawing feel best when it’s in motion, not overplanned? Gesture drawing could be your natural style.
Mixing Methods: Your Style Doesn’t Have to Be Just One
Here’s the beautiful truth: you don’t have to choose just one style. In fact, most of my drawings now combine all three.
- I might start with a quick gesture sketch to capture the pose.
- Then I’ll switch to contour to define the form and structure.
- Finally, I’ll add cross-hatching to develop the shading and texture.
Think of these techniques like ingredients in a recipe. You can use them separately or blend them to suit your taste. The more you experiment, the more you’ll develop a personal language of marks.
How to Discover What Fits You Best
If you’re not sure where you belong yet, that’s okay. Here’s what helped me figure it out:
- Try each method deliberately. Spend a few days doing only gesture drawings. Then do the same with contour and cross-hatching. Feel what comes naturally and what challenges you.
- Note your mood. Which method energizes you? Which one calms you? Which frustrates you (and is that frustration part of your growth)?
- Look at your past drawings. Do you already tend toward one of these styles without realizing it? That might be your voice already showing up.
Ultimately, your style will evolve as you do. I’ve cycled through all three at different points in my artistic life—and each time, they’ve taught me something new.
Final Thoughts: Your Line, Your Voice
Every artist I know has a unique way of making marks. Some are precise and layered. Others are fluid and expressive. What matters isn’t which method you use—it’s whether it feels like you.
So explore. Play. Get messy. Try what feels uncomfortable and double down on what feels good.
Your drawing style isn’t something you pick from a list—it’s something you uncover as you show up at the page, again and again.
Cross-hatching. Contour. Gesture. Or some strange, beautiful combination you invent along the way.
That’s where your voice lives.
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