Line work is where personality lives. Thick lines. Whisper-thin lines. Confident swoops. Nervous chicken scratches. They all tell a story.

Types of Lines to Master

• Bold, intentional strokes — great for outlines and emphasis
• Soft, delicate lines — perfect for fur, hair, or anything airy
• Hatching & cross-hatching — controlled texture without overworking the area
• Flow lines — the elegant curves that make your piece look intentional and not like you sneezed mid-burn

Why Line Work Matters

Because it guides the viewer’s eye. If shading is the vibe, line work is the map.

Practice Exercises

• Draw a single shape (like a leaf) using five different line methods.
• Create a “line library”—one small board filled with various strokes.
• Practice flowing, continuous lines without lifting the pen. (Bonus: it builds wrist confidence.)

Mandalas are one of the best training grounds for both line work and shading. Their repeating patterns force you to practice consistent strokes, clean angles, and controlled pressure, over and over until your hands finally get the memo. And when you add shading to the mix, the whole design comes alive with depth and contrast. If you want a project that sharpens your precision and your patience, mandalas are the perfect blend of meditative and skill-building.