Study 2: Notan

What Does "Notan" Mean in Art?

Rooster and mouse illustration by Siddarth Chaturvedi

The objective of this exercise is to organize areas of light and shadow. Unlike last week, where we start with something with strong lines, this week, we must start with something rendered, with a good 3D shape.

Example of a rendered object with good 3D shape

When picking a reference picture, be careful to pick one with a single strong light source: here are some tips on what to avoid:

Example of a 2D object to avoid

Example of an object with too many light sources to avoid

These are examples of good references:

Good reference example 1

Good reference example 2

Good reference example 3

Good reference example 4

Step-by-Step Guide

Rough sketch of the shape being drawn

Drawing the terminator line

Filling one half of the terminator line with black

Adding small details on the light side with black

Adding small details on the dark side with white

Stylizing and adding extra shading

Final result of the Notan study

Another example of a completed Notan study

Demo from Class

Demo example 1

Demo example 2

Demo example 3

Demo example 4

I hope you have fun!