Notan: The Dark-Light Principle of Design (Paperback)

by Dorr Bothwell (Author), Marlys Mayfield (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A guiding principle of Eastern art and design, focusing on the interaction between positive and negative space, demonstrated in 6 problems of progressive difficulty. Solutions will fascinate artists and designers of every calling and level of expertise, from painters and sculptors, potters and textile designers to architects and interior designers. 101 illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Revised edition (September 19, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 048626856X
• ISBN-13: 978-0486268569
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,180 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why I love Notan, August 4, 2000

By	Charles E Morrell (Breckenridge, CO. United States) - See all my reviews

The Book Notan is a stimulating journey in to the World of design.Every aspiring designer should own this book. The excercises are sure to help in the devolopment of an understanding of the importance of "negative" space and it's relationship with good design. I would recommend this book to ages 12 and up, for those with an eye for art, or who would like to devolop their eye. I find myself returning to this book on a regular basis to refresh my Vision and kick start my creativity. An Exceptional Book!!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars design basic for ALL fields of art, August 9, 2007

By	A. Palermo "craftster" (Rochester, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book teaches a basic principle that all artists/teachers should use when thinking/teaching composition whether you are working two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally. Notan is a simple design principle that focuses on positive and negative space. It uses six different exercises that could be used or adapted at any age level and should be a must for the art curriculum. It also offers great historical references. It is one of the best art books you could buy for under $10.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clarifies the application of design principles: a valuable reference.: , April 17, 2006

By	Loretta Ramseyer - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After reading this book and doing some of the suggested exercises, I became more sensitive to negative space and related design principles and better able to apply them to my art.