The document explains the concept of notan studies, which are quick graphic representations that assess the dominant shapes and values of a scene using two or three colors. Notan studies help artists quickly plan strong paintings by identifying interesting shapes and avoiding weak structures. The text also details the method for creating two value notans and emphasizes their importance in ensuring impactful artwork.

1. Notan Studies
Two Value Notans
By
Malcolm Dewey Fine Art©

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Examples of Two Value Notans

6. 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)

7. Correct Notans

8. Incorrect Notans
Too many bits. Confusing
shapes Outlines used

9. More errors
No frame
Shapes floating above ground?
No dominant shape
Messy filling in -confusing

10. Examples of Notans
Notan from Reference: Assess the shapes

11. Draw the Notans
• Dominant Mass drawn in. No
details

12. 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