Notan Cut Paper Designs: Third Grade

I have several art lessons that I did not post about yet from this past school year, so look forward to a few more art project ideas this summer.  This lesson is fairly simple to prepare for and teach.  “Notan” is the term used by the Japanese to mean “light/dark” space.  We can also learn about positive/negative space through Notan designs.  My third graders studied Asia this year in their Social Studies class, so this was a nice tie-in.

To prepare for this project, cut squares of paper which will be cut apart.  You will also need a white background paper, much larger than the squares.  View this video on Youtube for step-by-step directions to cut your Notan design.

This one with its animal shapes is very clever!