Notan -Design and Strength of Abstract Shapes

Here is an example of how to let the notan, instead of detail, dominate the scene.

High-Mountain Meadows

Landscape by the Sea

This piece was a demonstration for my students. Gouache 8x10 inches on watercolor paper.

Off Highway 1. California Coast.

Dolomiti Italia

This is a view from a place somewhere in Northern Italy. Gouache on 8x10 in. watercolor paper.

Alpine Shelter

I have also included the original sketch of the house.

Pencil Sketch

When Autumn Arrives

A small 8x10 gouache painting.

Autumn Creek

Gouage on Watercolor Paper

The beauty of the tree is in the abstract patterns created by the leaves.

Dramatic Light

Abstraction

Mixed media study with gouache and pastels.

Study in Reds

Strong Design

The more I paint the more I realize the importance of a strong abstract design -the notan. Here is an example.

Treetop Blaze

From Dark to Light in Gouache

This small piece was painted the opposite way I normally do with watercolors. I placed the dark areas first and then worked my way out to the lightest tints in the middle to give the impression of strong sunlight.

Shores of Lake Como, Nesso, Italy

Color Sketches

Color comps for larger works. Gouache on mixed media paper.

Color Composition

Monochrome Landscape Studies

Monochrome studies are great for practicing value relationship within a painting. Executed with black and white gouache on Strathmore Mixed Media Visual Journal. Size: 5.5x8 in. Vellum finish.

Mini Landscape Studies

Desert Scene

The deserts of New Mexico look wonderful after the rain. The challenge here is to prevent the shadows from going flat; keeping them with "air and color". Gouache on watercolor paper.

Desert Splendor