How to Make a Notan

[@colorist_tommy4247]

thanks I love this Notan approach. It would be great to see how you make use of the notan to arrive at the final painting too. Thanks

[@stephenberryart]

Hi tommy. This is great advice, and I've had others say as much as well. Thanks for dropping me a line and giving constructive criticism. It's hard learning how to teach better! :)

[@andrecardon2141]

Thank you for do it directly.

[@rainbowchild63]

Thank you,Stephen!

[@stephenberryart]

Hi! You're welcome. I'm glad this video still gets views. It's super useful! :)

[@albikapllani2119]

Amazing Work. Thx

[@stephenberryart]

No problem 👍

[@tiffalam]

what paper are you using in the video ? my pentel ink pen tends to lose opacity/ the ink spreads thin while I'm working on watercolor paper because of the paper's texture. it ends up preventing me from making a completely black and white sketch because I end up with "gray" zones

[@stephenberryart]

Hi Tiff. I use watercolor paper. Specifically, I like to use a Pentalic Art Watercolor Journal, but I'm sure lots of different types would work. This has a thick paper though, so the ink doesn't go through. It also has a bit of texture, which can help with dry brush work.

[@dorettaremy8245]

Very helpful, thank you!!

[@m.ishakziaee9861]

Hi, am a bit late here,...but what a fantastic video to share, thank you! One question: How long des it usually take for a typical A5 or A4 Notan?

[@stephenberryart]

Hi! Never too late to learn about notans! :) I don't do them at that size. That would be pretty big. I do them at around 4"x6" or 5"x 7". They can take me somewhere betweeen 20-60 minutes, depending on my mood. An A5 or A4 would take a very long time and not necessarily help me simplify things. I actually propose to students that they do them even smaller.

[@kimranson4775]

❤

[@demahk8007]

thank you 👍

[@cynthiam.1368]

Do you ever, after doing the notan, decide that the image would not make a good painting?

[@stephenberryart]

Oh yes!!!! LOL. 100%. That's part of the test. Great question

[@randomfjord1256]

ooh this is neat!

[@bborg8368]

I thought watercolor was usually light to dark?

[@stephenberryart]

Hi Borg. It definitely usually is. These notans are just preliminary creations to help me plan out and understand the composition, value arrangements, etc. Later on, this makes painting the actually painting much easier. I know where my lights will be, and where my darks will be, and how I am changing and arranging things. When I do the actually painting, I'll work light to dark.

[@davidhallowell3457]

Very helpful, thank you. Is there a texture on your paper…or is it just the nature of the pen tel brush pen alone that seems to allow some textured looking strokes?

[@stephenberryart]

Hi David. There's a bit of texture on my paper. It comes in a book, but it's meant for watercolors. I much prefer sketching on the paper because of the thickness and texture.

[@samaraisnt]

I've used my brush pen on all surfaces, even plastic/laminated papers so it really is versatile. At that time I was doing more graphic illustrative pieces not watercolor so it depends on your desired effect.

[@budakart]

Come to Islam n success