Hatching is an artistic technique used to create shade, tone or texture in painting, drawing, sketching and engraving. It consists of placing parallel lines close together, usually of different lengths. When viewed from a distance, these lines appear to blend together, creating a gradual transition of tones.

Hatching is often used to create shadows and add depth to a drawing or painting. It can also be used to create texture and interest in a piece. Hatching lines can be of any width or density, and can be placed in any direction. They can be straight, curved, or zig-zag.

Hatching is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of effects. It is a simple way to add interest and depth to your work. Experiment with different line widths, densities, and directions to see what effects you can create.