Course In Progress
Learn how to simplify complex compositions with Notan master thumbnails. In this level 1 demo, we'll focus on two- and three-value studies, using a portrait by Lepage to explore different interpretations. I'll cover key strategies like squinting, cutting out noise, and grouping values into major shapes.
Newest
Chauncey Holder
2mo
with this attempt i feel like it came out much better. the demo really helped but i noticed i have a problem with trying to make thumbnail i either make things to big or small. for the two image the top was 2 vauled and the bottom one was 3 vauled.
Quinton Larrimore
7mo
Could someone give me some feedback on these digital studies?
I think I did the boat / Sargent / Leffel studies a bit wrong (I kept the 3 values but I don't think I broke it down properly -- I was basically just observing and drawing what I saw.).
For the Rembrandt, I first sketched in the rough proportions, then tried to break down the shapes in the middle picture, and then I went back and tried to refine that. I think my proportions ended up being a bit off. How could I have executed this better? I think I'll give it another go and try to match the value of the shadows of the coat to the shadows on the head. Maybe I should also do that for the red part of the shirt and the things he is holding too?
Quinton Larrimore
7mo
Went back and tried to clean it up a bit and simplify things down some more. The only change between these two images is I changed the cheek slightly on both to simplify it further.
Osagumwenro Igiehon
8mo
Here are my attempts after the demo.

Theodor Urhed
9mo
The fourth interpretation made a lot of sense - stabilising the composition and grounding the character.

Jonah Sanders
9mo
I’ve completed a couple here. Had a ton of fun with these!
•
9mo
Cool studies. The drawings look great and I dig the red pencil.
Lisanne
10mo
Five minutes in and I'm like, 'yes those details got me again'. Haha! Anybody else?

Dennis Yeary
11mo
Here a bunch of thumbnails that took 2 minutes each

Krisztina Eperjesi
11mo
Thank you for the demo. Small studies helped a lot to focus and warm up to the three-value study. I had to push myself out from my comfort zone to done this task. But I am glad, I finished a new study.
@sonaljain
11mo
Thanks Proko, Its very well explained!!!

Dennis Yeary
11mo
thank you I think this is going to help me
Johannes S.
11mo
Thank you, Stan.
Give a gift
Give a gift card for art students to use on anything in the Proko store.
Or gift this course:
About instructor
Founder of Proko, artist and teacher of drawing, painting, and anatomy. I try to make my lessons fun and ultra packed with information.