Notan StudiesTwo Value Notans

By

Malcolm Dewey Fine Art©

What is a Notan Study?

A quick graphic representation of the dominant features of a scene.

Approximately 4cm x 6cm in size Using two or three values (black, white and grey) Completed quickly (60 seconds) Using felt tip markers in black and grey on white

paper. To assess interesting shapes and dominant values.

NB: Notans are critical to strong paintings!

Why Use a Notan

Identifies the most interesting shapes Helps to identify the dominant shape. Helps to identify the dominant value

between light, dark and middle value. Saves time before wasting paint on a

weak structured painting Critical for planning strong paintings

quickly.

Two Value Notans

Two value notan using black marker on white paper.

Identify the main shape (mass) that will dominate the scene.

Is it light or dark? If light – leave white. If dark block in with black. Look for the mass not outlines. You are

depicting a flat mass in two dimensions.

Examples of Two Value Notans

Method:

• Look for the dominant mass

• Draw a frame on a page of drawing paper about 4cm x 6cm. Use the same aspect ration as your canvas eg. Landscape or portrait.

• Mass in the dominant shape using the black marker pen.

• Use decisive wedge shaped strokes to mass in.

• Do not draw an outline first.

• Keep shapes clean and fully covered.

• Use few shapes and unequal space division (asymmetry)

Correct Notans

Incorrect Notans

Too many bits. Confusing shapes Outlines used

More errorsNo frame

Shapes floating above ground?

No dominant shape

Messy filling in -confusing

Examples of Notans

Notan from Reference: Assess the shapes

Draw the Notans

• Dominant Mass drawn in. No details

A Part of the Process

• Always prepare a notan study when assessing the viability of a scene.

• Notans encourage strong shapes for paintings that will have impact.

• Notans help you to see the important shapes and values not the minor details.

• You may also like to use a three value notan study. We will look at that next.

• www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com