Emphasis and Focal Point

• Attracting Attention. Most artists want people to look at their work. There is an abundance of images readily available in our society today between newspapers, magazines, signs, books, social media, and fine art. Artists are more challenged than ever to convey their information and aesthetically enhance the lives of the viewer. Without the attention of the viewer, aesthetic and artistic values are lost.

• Focal Point is one device used by artists to catch the viewer’s attention. This can attract the attention of the viewer and encourage them to look closer.

Walp, Susan James.Grapefruit With Black Ribbons,

2000,8x8.25inch,OilOnLinen

Matisse, HenriBathers With A Turtle,1908,179x220cm

Wall, JeffThe Pine On The Corner,1990

3.10ftx3.10ft

• Emphasis of the Whole over the Parts – Repetition suggests continuation of the design beyond the format edges. Rhythm of repetition is the emphasis.

Maviyane-Davies,Chaz

IUCN Annual Report1998

(International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources)

• Emphasis by Contrast Whatever interrupts an overall feeling or pattern automatically attracts the eye because of the difference. A focal point results when one element differs from the others.

• Light form breaks the pattern and becomes focal point in a mostly dark image

• Muted colors that are neutral and soft with a bold contrasting pattern

• Text, symbols• Most of elements black and white, color stands out

Stubbs, GeorgeZebra, 1763, Oil On Canvas 3ftx4ft

• Emphasis by Isolation - Simply being set off by itself attracts attention

Ensor, James

Self Portrait Surrounded By

Masks

1899, 3ft11x2ft7in

Oil

• Hierarchy of Emphasis – Objects placed too close to the edge lead the viewer off the page.

• Larger objects with more detail and placed toward the bottom of the composition are more noticeable.

• Notice the emphasis of at least three focal points. The viewers eye may go to the figures in the bottom left first, then to the figures to the right, and finally either to the cloak on the ground, sword, or seemingly light of a past party in the center which matches the hue of the cloak of the figure on the right.

Gerome, Jean-LeonThe Duel After The Masquerade,

1857-1859, Oil On Canvas,1ft3inx1ft10in.

• Emphasis by Placement – Placing something in the center creates the most emphasis. The composition may be considered boring when the subject is plopped down smack in the center. The challenge may be to see how one can create emphasis the center, but in a subtle way.

• The prime example is a bullseye dart board – for noticeable use of center.

• Typically it is the medium of architecture such as in churches or temples or civil buildings that depend on radial symmetry (like a dart board) as aesthetic aspect. Quilting and ceramics also embrace radial symmetry, unlike most 2d art.

Gerome, Jean-Leon

The Duel AfterThe Masquerade

1857-1859,

Oil On Canvas,1ft3inx1ft10in

Gerome is known for his ability to place various

objects in his compositions which invites the viewer to

explore the entire composition.