Nōtan is a Japanese design concept involving the play and placement of light and dark as they are placed next to the other in art and imagery. (Wikipedia)

The process

Some final results

Often times students feel overwhelmed at having to draw something new, or drawing at all.  Drawing by design has the teacher draw one step at a time so the students can follow along.  In our art class we did a Draw by Design of an owl.

Once the shape (owl) has been created students have the freedom to add whatever designs or details they want.  One suggestion we were given is to have a border.  This comes in handy for students who finish early and need something else to do.