Students are playing with the balance between negative and positive space in making Japanese Notans.

The theory behind Notan is: positive and negative areas should complement one another. They must coexist without one dominating the other.

The Eastern culture from which Notan arose, seeks a more balanced view of the world. The classic yin/yang symbol is a reflection of this desire for balance.

Balance is defined as the equal distribution of visual weight in a composition. Central Axis-An imaginary dividing  line that runs down the middle of a piece of art either horizontally or vertically.

Students are studying the art of Jim Dine and his Paintbrush series and creating their own still life paintings.  The students were introduced to the technique of trompe-l'oeil.

Trompe-l'œil

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Trompe-l'œil (French for "deceive the eye", pronounced 

[tʁɔ̃p lœj]) is an art technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions. Forced perspective is a comparable illusion in architecture.

Paper Marbling is happening!  It's making the Art Room smell great!