The act of adding darkness or shading to illustrations intended for coloring enhances the visual depth and complexity of the images. This technique introduces elements that suggest light sources, forms, and spatial relationships, moving beyond simple outline art.
Incorporating gradients and areas of darker tone provides a more realistic or dramatic aesthetic to the coloring experience. This approach can aid in developing artistic skills related to value and tone, as well as increasing engagement by providing a greater challenge and a more visually stimulating outcome. Historically, shading techniques have been used in fine art to elevate the perceived quality and realism of artwork, principles that can be translated to the realm of printable coloring mediums.
