Shading: meaning, definitions and examples

Shading is often used in art and design to describe the process of adding depth and dimension to a drawing or painting. It involves creating different levels of darkness and lightness.

• The artist enhanced the realism of the portrait by carefully shading the contours of the face
• The intricate shading in the drawing made it look three-dimensional

Shadowing is used to describe the act of creating shadows in art or can refer to the practice of following someone closely to observe their activities or learn from them.

• The shadowing technique added a sense of depth to the landscape drawing
• During his internship, he spent weeks shadowing experienced engineers to gain practical knowledge

Gradation is typically used to describe a gradual transition between colors or shades, often seen in design, art, and even in describing changes over time.

• The graphic designer implemented a smooth gradation from blue to green in the background
• The painting features a beautiful gradation of hues from dawn to dusk

Toning is often used in the context of adjusting the color balance in photography and digital images. It's about creating a specific mood or effect.

• The photographer adjusted the toning of the photo to give it a vintage feel
• The sepia toning added a nostalgic touch to the old family photograph

This entry seems to be a duplicate of the first entry for 'shading'. The same description and examples apply.

• The designer emphasized shading to add a realistic touch to his 3D models.
• Proper shading can make an otherwise flat image appear dynamic and lifelike.

Shadowing specifically refers to the depiction of shadows in a piece of work. It's often used to add depth and contrast by simulating the effect of light casting shadows. This term can also have negative connotations in other contexts, like describing someone following someone else secretly.

• The artist's use of shadowing made the still life painting look truly three-dimensional.
• In the spy novel, shadowing the suspect was a crucial part of gathering information.

Hatching is a drawing technique that involves creating a series of parallel lines to build tone and texture. Unlike cross-hatching, hatching uses only one set of lines. Artists use this technique to add a sense of light and shadow.

• She applied hatching to give the drawing of the tree its intricate bark texture.
• Hatching can be very effective for suggesting soft lighting effects in pencil sketches.

Cross-hatching is a technique used in drawing and engraving where intersecting sets of parallel lines are used to create texture, depth, and shading. This method is often used to build dark areas or gradients.

• The illustrator used cross-hatching to create detailed textures in the background.
• In many classic woodcut prints, cross-hatching is employed to enhance contrast and shadow.

This is more specific than 'shade' and refers to the dark shape that is cast on a surface when an object blocks light. It is often less about comfort and more about the actual creation of darkness by blocking light.

• The kids played by making shadow puppets on the wall.
• I noticed my shadow growing longer as the sun set.

This word is broad and can refer to anything that provides shelter, protection, or hides something. It could be a physical cover like a blanket or something that provides protection from the elements.

• He used his jacket as a cover from the rain.
• The soldiers were looking for cover.

This word is used when you want to refer to something that keeps someone or something safe from harm or danger. It doesn't necessarily imply shade or shelter, but more a barrier against potential threats.

• She wore a helmet for protection while biking.
• The sunscreen provides protection from UV rays.