NOTAN

( 濃淡 ) A Japanese design concept

involving the play and placement of light and

dark as they are placed next to the

other in art.

Notan Vocabulary

Contrast – Two different things that exist closely together. (Black & White, Stripes and Dots, Smooth and Rough textures, etc.)

Balance – The visual weight of an object. This exists in two ways:

Symmetrical – Balance that is equal on both sides.

Asymmetrical – Balance that is not equal on both sides.

Notan Vocabulary

Shape– A two-dimensional space defined by edges. Shape can exist in two ways:

Geometric shapes – Shapes that are easily identifiable, do not exist in nature, and usually consist of straight lines and corners.

Organic shapes – Shapes that are not known by any definitive name, are usually more “flowy” and occur in nature.

Space – The visual distance around, between or within an object.Space can exist in two ways:

Positive space– The shape that is the object you want the viewer to see.

Negative space– The shape that is behind, in-between, around or left behind by the object you want the viewer to see.

Notan Vocabulary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RVf8y-e6tc

Non Objective Notan Designs

Objective Notan Designs

Objective Notan Designs

Materials

Cutting Mat

Xacto KnifeScissors

Glue Stick

Construction Paper

Class Contract:

4. I understand that I am responsible for properly using, cleaning, and putting away all materials and tools I use. If I do not know how to use, clean or put away a material or tool, I will ask for help. If I abuse/misuse any materials and/or tools, I will not be allowed to use them again and will be graded accordingly.

If you…

Do not have a cutting board on your table, you will fail the project.

Are not using the xacto knife assigned to you, you will fail the project.

Do not return the xacto knife at the end of class, you will fail the project.

Using the xacto knife to cut anything other than paper, you will fail the project.

Are holding the xacto knife like a psychopath, you will fail the project.

How to Hold/Use an Xacto Knife

Like a pencil: Like a scalpel:

With a straight-edgeon a cutting mat:

How to NOT Hold/Use an Xacto Knife

Like a psychopath: Like a psychopath:

How to Use an Xacto Knife

Scoring - Carefully, slowly cutting into your paper 2-3 times until the blade of your knife has gone through completely.

Scoring results in clean, precise lines. If you don’t score, you’ll get jagged edges, and sometimes rip your paper.

Notan Design Project Guidelines:

1. Your design must be approved by me before you begin.

2. Your design must have a “practice run” on scrap paper before you work on the final.

3. Each student gets ONE final 6x6inch piece of colored construction paper.

4. Each design must have at least 20 pieces.

5. More complex designs will earn higher grades.

6. Neatness counts!

7. Anyone using the xacto knives in anyway I disapprove of will receive an F for the project, will not be allowed to make it up, and will report to the administration.