Notan Positive and Negative Designs
Submitted by Laura Caldwell
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
Objective—Students will be able to create an abstract design using positive and
negative space.
Art Vocabulary—positive space, negative space, abstract, reflection
Materials needed:
a. Black construction paper (12x12 piece per student)
b. Colored construction paper (15x15 piece per student)
c. Glue
d. Scissors
Hook—Show a couple pictures on the computer, then use the inverse function to
demonstrate a switch in positive and negative space.
Procedure
a. Demonstrate the process of creating a Notan design
b. Pass out the glue, scissors and construction paper
c. Have the students place the black paper evenly on top of the colored construction
paper and trace an outline.
d. The students will cut organic and geometric shapes from all sides of the black
construction paper—they will need to cut out at least three shapes from each side
e. The students will place the black construction paper back on the colored paper
with the cutout pieces still inside it. They will then take the shapes they cut out
and reflect them.
f. They will glue the reflected designs to the colored paper right next to the area on
the black paper where they were removed.
g. Glue the black paper into the outline on the colored paper
Closure—Show a couple art pieces and ask students to point out the positive and
negative spaces in the piece.
Diagnostic Questions
a. Were the students able to create an interesting abstract design?
b. Was each reflected piece glued to create a positive and negative image?
TEKS—117.32c1B “Analyze and form and generalizations about the
interdependence of the art elements such as color, texture, form, line, space and value
and principles such as emphasis, pattern, rhythm, balance, proportion, and unity,
using art vocabulary appropriately.”
117.32b2 “By analyzing artistic styles and historical periods students develop
respect for the traditions and contributions of diverse cultures. Students respond to
and analyze artwork, thus contributing to the development of lifelong skills of
making informed judgments and evaluations.”