Choose a simple line‐design fine in proportion, and add to it this new
kind of beauty,—as much of it as can be expressed by the extremes of
Notan, black against white. It is apparent that we cannot reduce Dark‐and‐
Light to simpler terms than these two values. The principle of Variation
comes into this exercise with special force, for each line‐design admits
of several Notan arrangements. The student should be given at first a
subject with few lines. Let him use one of his own (chapter V), or draw
one from the instructor’s sketch, but the essential point is to have his
design as good as possible in space‐proportion before adding the ink.
Make several tracings, then darken certain spaces with black. A round
Japanese brush, short and thick, is best for this work. Nos. 43 and 44.
Pupils should be warned against mistaking mere inventive action for art.
The teacher must guide the young mind to perceive the difference between
creating beautiful patterns, and mere fantastic play.
Those gifted with little aesthetic perception may go far astray in
following the two‐tone idea. It is very easy and somewhat fascinating to
darken parts of designs with black ink. The late poster craze showed to
what depth of vulgarity this can be carried. The pupil must be taught that
all two‐tone arrangements are not fine, and that the very purpose of this
exercise is so to develop his appreciation that he may be able to tell the
difference between the good, the commonplace, and the ugly. His only
guides must be his own innate taste, and his instructor’s experience.