Art Lesson Notan Design Positive and Negative Space

Item description

This math-integrated art lesson is based on the Japanese design concept of Notan, which focuses on the contrast between light and dark. It is an excellent way to introduce positive and negative space and the concept of mirror-imaging. Some variations offer math connections.

Using only colored paper, scissors, and glue, these designs can be made as simple or as complex as needed to accommodate a variety of student abilities. Simple variations are appropriate for students as young as second grade, while more complex versions can be challenging for older students.

This lesson includes the following:

– list of art concepts and skills addressed

– list of materials needed

– targeted art and related vocabulary

– detailed steps for introducing the lesson

– suggestions for read-aloud and art to look at

– directions for art-making

– ideas for extending or varying the lesson

– ideas for looking at and discussing art

– suggestions for making math connections

– suggestions for writing about art

– photographs of student art work for reference

Also included is Creating My Art – an art reflection worksheet  with prompts to help students reflect on their own creative process. 

This comprehensive art lesson is designed to teach art appreciation, art technique, and art analysis.

National Core Visual Arts Standards are listed at the beginning of the lesson and in the preview.

Listed grade levels are suggestions only; any of these lessons can be simplified or made more complex to work for any elementary grade.

********** PLEASE NOTE *********

A short description of this lesson is included in my Geometry Meets Art activity resource. 

Other math-related art lessons:

What Can You Do With a Dot?

Abstract Shape Collage

Design a Sun

More art-making ideas:

Start With Art – perfect for starting the school year

Art Task Cards – for early finishers or art centers

•••••
I am a retired elementary classroom teacher, a former art teacher, an artist and a writer. I have a Multiple Subjects credential, a Single Subject credential for Art and English, LDS/ESL certification, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Mathematics focus, and Montessori certification. I have worked with all elementary grades, and with special groups including ELL, GATE, and At-Risk students. Creating Art With Kids and Share2Learn lessons and resources are designed to foster student creativity, choice, and independence, and to encourage authentic art-making. Consideration is given to developmental appropriateness, differentiation possibilities, and teacher individuality. For this reason, directions are general, expectations are open-ended, and clip art on student pages is kept to a minimum. 

•••••
Terms of Use:

Permission is granted to copy for single classroom use only, including homeschool classrooms, for use with classroom students. Additional licenses may be purchased for a reduced price. Electronic distribution is limited to single classroom use. Public and/or online display are not authorized; this resource may not be posted on district or classroom websites, or on any teaching resource websites, without permission of the author. Please do not give away my work.  

•••••
Connect With Me:
Creating Art With Kids Facebook Group
Blog: Creating Art With Kids  

•••••

Enjoy!