What is Notan?
Notan (濃淡) means “light–dark.” It focuses on the balance of black and white shapes within a composition. This version uses a traditional Sumi-e ink palette inspired by rice-paper artwork.
1. Load an image
Choose a photo or use your camera. We’ll convert it into a classic 2-tone or 3-tone Notan.
2. Choose Notan Style
2-Tone = traditional ink-on-paper Notan.
3-Tone = adds a sumi-wash mid-tone.
3. Notan preview
Upload an image to see your Notan here.
3b. Notan Practice Exercises
Quick exercises to sharpen your black–white design awareness.
- Trace main shapes — simplify everything into bold chunks.
- Reduce further — aim for fewer total shapes.
- Design a new Notan using the same shapes.
Daily Notan Challenge
Use today's prompt to practise seeing light–dark shapes.
4. Step-by-step Notan drawing
Learn More About Notan
Notan is used by traditional ink painters, illustrators, film designers and concept artists.
The goal is clarity and balance. By stripping detail, Notan reveals shape, rhythm and contrast—the foundations of strong visual art.