Notan
This assignment will focus on creating Organic and Geometric Shapes as well as balancing Positive and Negative Space.
Notan is a Japanese term meaning the balance between light and dark. These collages or Notan studies will help you demonstrate that you understand good craftsmanship, that you can use both types of shape, and that you understand how to balance your positive and negative space (light and dark in this case) Please read all of the information provided and watch the video below before attempting your Notan collage.
Notan is a Japanese term meaning the balance between light and dark. These collages or Notan studies will help you demonstrate that you understand good craftsmanship, that you can use both types of shape, and that you understand how to balance your positive and negative space (light and dark in this case) Please read all of the information provided and watch the video below before attempting your Notan collage.
VocabularyNotan- balance of light and dark
Organic Shape- shapes found in nature that are not easily measured. Geometric Shape- Measurable shapes often with straight sides and regular angles. Positive Space- object or subject matter Negative space- the space surrounding the object or subject Craftsmanship- how neatly done your project is. For example- are your cuts clean and neat? edges sharp? or do you have messy cuts or is there glue visible around the edges? |
Materials6x6 construction paper squares
12x18 black paper scissors glue pencil eraser ![]()
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Hints for success: The power of the Notan is in the interplay of the light and dark. In order to have the biggest impact with your work, the colors you choose matter, the cuts made into the small square matter, and the pieces laid onto the large outer paper matter.
Because strength of the design is in the balance of light and dark:
Because strength of the design is in the balance of light and dark:
- there must be a major contrast in colors
- the cuts must go into the shape, not just hang on edge
Because the goal of the piece is to illustrate good craftsmanship
- cuts must be neat
- pieces must line up
- glue should not be noticeable
Remember, you must cut on all four sides. The examples below only cut into one side of the paper, and while interesting and very well done, do not meet our requirements.
Video and Instructions
Watch the video below in it's entirety at least once before starting your rough draft! You must complete a rough draft before starting on your final Notan collage.
Instructions:
Watch the video below in it's entirety at least once before starting your rough draft! You must complete a rough draft before starting on your final Notan collage.
Instructions:
- Create a rough draft so you can practice cutting, gluing, and design. You can use the copy paper provided in your pack (just cut it into smaller squares for practice) or you can use one of the colored squares.
- Using a pencil to lightly draw designs on all four sides. Use organic and geometric shapes.
- Neatly cut your shapes out, make sure you do not lose or misplace them! Do not go back and trim your edges. everything should fit together like a puzzle when you are done.
- put the small square of paper onto your background
- Fit the cut pieces back into the small paper like a puzzle.
- Flip pieces out and arrange the small paper to the large paper (do not glue). How does it look? is it neat? balanced?
- Now it's time for your final draft. Follow the instructions using 6 x 6 and large construction paper.
- Choose a light/dark paper combination.
- Using a pencil that is similar to your paper, lightly draw intricate designs on all four sides. Use both organic and geometric shapes.
- Be sure your designs cut deeply into the paper in places and use up your middle space.
- Neatly cut your shapes out, saving pieces as you cut.
- Glue the small paper to the large paper.
- Fit the cut pieces back into the small paper like a puzzle.
- Flip pieces out, then cut additional designs into the pieces to build interest.
- Glue down neatly.