NOTAN is the Japanese word for dark/light. Using it in painting helps guide us to an understanding of what is in light and what rests in shadow. When combined with our knowledge of the fact that nothing in shadow is brighter than anything in light, we can produce work that gives clarity to objects by defining their forms as they turn in and out of the light.
"To understand notan, requires a special effort on our part; it demands a totally new orientation to seeing. Nevertheless, the effort is well worth the while if it enables us us to see notan — the basis of all good design — as it exists all around us." from Notan, The Dark-Light Principle of Design by Dorr Bothwell and Marlyn Mayfield
The first step here was to paint the notan. Paint was applied only to areas in shadow irreguardless of the objects that held those shadows. The shadow shapes connect over the boundaries of objects and form the basis of the composition. The second image shows the first steps in adding glazes of color over the notan. The third shows adding color and building up the dark value of shadows. The fourth shows the notan at work under the finished piece.
in the plans I'm hoping to offer an notan workshop in 2026. Please let me know if you are interested. Click here to contact.