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Here is a sample session from my e-Course COLORWISE.
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What is a “Notan” and how can it help me?
The word Notan is derived from the Japanese word Nong, which means strong, thick, or concentrated, and the word Dan, which means weak. A Notan painting has only two, three or four values. Notan paintings and studies can create a balanced and harmonious work using this simple concept of contrast and opposites.
NOTAN FACES
Using the concept of a Notan is a great way to abstract faces. Learning to see the important planes of faces by reducing values can truly help you to simplify your work. The painting in the following demo is made up of four values which give you a good likeness, yet little detail.
NOTAN FIGURES
Notans are used in all kinds of subject matter from pure abstract to landscape and figurative. Limiting your values can create some very dramatic effects. Reduicng the value in your figures will help you to see the important shapes and forms.
NOTAN BACKGROUNDS
Creating a Notan from a photo can immediately abstract the “background” areas surrounding your figure. Using this tool can give you a jump start on ideas for your ‘backgrounds.”
COOL TOOL
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COOL TOOL 〰️
NOTANIZER APPLICATION
I found this super cool App—available in both Apple and Android versions—called Notanizer. You can upload any photo into the App and it will reduce it to how ever many values you choose. Personally, I like the selection of 4 Values—have fun finding your favorite!
Below are some of the examples to see what you can do…get the App and have fun experimenting!
Project: PAINTING A NOTAN
In this fun project I used an image from “UnSplash",” a royalty free website. It looks like Liv Tyler to me! I uploaded the black and white photo into the Notanizer App and selected 4 values. I used Ultramarine Blue, a touch of black and Titanium White to create four blue values and then painted the image.
▸ PASSWORD: NOTAN
▸ VIDEO LENGTH: 19:40 minutes
Your Turn:
Create a Notan of three to four values. Faces are fun because this project helps you to learn the shapes of the face. If you prefer a different subject matter, that is ok too!
Start with a monochromatic version of one color plus white, and black to get your “black value.”.
For a more advanced version select several colors but continue to match the values of the Notan.
