As I place the grid over the photo, I pay special attention to the rule of thirds. When divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, the lines cross in four locations. Any image supports four ideal positions for the centre of interest. Other considerations avoid positioning anything interesting in the centre of the photo and leaving the horizon along the centre line. Central positions tend to block movement of the eye around the work. Of course, any rule can be broken.
Now we turn our attention to the larger shapes and the art of notan. Notan reduces the image to black and white. Most of the time a notan study can be done in a few seconds. Sometimes the exercise requires persistence. We do not want to spend too much energy here, so the sketches are small, about two by three inches. Essentially, we want a pleasing abstract, a variety of shapes moving together to create a flow with a dominant value, that is, more black than white or more white than black. I sometimes include a third medium value as well.
Once we have a workable format we move into throwing paint. Such fun. How I manage the colours, mixing grays and encouraging chaos is the subject of my next blog. Basically I aim the paint at the darkest areas that the grid and the notan have revealed. Until next time, have a wonderful month.
