In this lesson we will be using a brush and ink on paper to draw a realistic sketch and a couple of abstract studies using the Japanese Nōtan approach.
Materials:
- Ink
- Paper
- Brush
Reference image link: http://drawandpaint4free.artcoursework.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/photo-1605117012605-b68dedd4accc.jpg
Process:
- You just need to use a single brush and undiluted ink for this exercise.
- Begin by analysing the subject and determine what will be light and what will be dark.
- Then start laying in the darkest shapes using the simplest brushwork possible.
- As you add more dark shapes, the image will begin to appear.
- Avoid adding too much detail or second guessing yourself – it’s better to work as confidently as possible with this type of sketching.
- Keep going until all the dark shapes have been laid in.
- Pay close attention to how the intersecting light and dark shapes work together to create a strong impression of the subject.
- Now that the realistic sketch is complete, you can use what you learnt to experiment with some more abstract two tone studies.
- Play around with different sizes and types of shape and see how altering a shape impacts the overall composition.
