Notan Design
Notan Landscape Exercise
In this lesson I will discuss Notan design and where this concept has its origin. Before we learn about the many values that allow us to render a form in a 3 dimensional way, we are going to examine Notan. Notan consist of 2 simple values of black and white set against one another. The shape, size and the balance of the design are integral to achieving a beautiful Notan. We will examine the work of Arthur Wesley Dow who brought this eastern concept to the west. In his book on Composition, Dow proposes a landscape exercise that will help the student understand the balance that needs to be created between the black and white shapes and forms in a good design.
Assignment
Materials:
- 11 x 14 pad
- 2B pencil
- Gum eraser (brown square one)
- Tracing paper or tissue paper; Could use a light board, if you have one. Or trace by placing against a window as shown in the video lesson.
- Dow Landscape sheet to be copied (PDF printable file below)
- Black markers- 1 thin (Pilot marker, but whatever you have); 1 thick (Sharpie works good, but whatever you have)
Assignment: Create 2 different versions of this landscape design, placing one above the other on 11 x 14 sheet (vertical position) in pad.
PDF File of the Landscape: Make sure you print this image out in “landscape” format (horizontally), rather than standard (vertically) orientation. This will make the image larger and easier to transfer.
Trace landscape design with tracing paper. ***IMPORTANT: when you trace the image, you need to trace both sides of the thick design lines. This will give you the option of using a black or white outline in the design. You also need to include the border. This will be black or white also.
Flip this sheet over and trace the back side, going over the design. This will create a carbon by which your pencil lines will transfer. Flip the design back so that the image is in the correct direction. In your pad draw over your tracing lines and transfer the landscape to your pad. Repeat the same process below this one. You should now have 2 copies of the landscape design placed one above the other. Do this neatly, cleanly and graphically so it looks professional. Clean up with gum eraser if necessary.
Next, use your black marker to fill in the design to create a balanced composition. Remember, there always needs to be black against white. If black is against black, you will not see the form of the design. If you want two blacks next to each other, there needs to be a white outline between them. Refer to Dow’s images I have provided. Use the proper technique for the marker- parallel diagonal lines only.
Upload photo of this single sheet with 2 different design options to the assignment section.
T/TH, Due:
M/W, Due:
Drawing Class 