Chapter 8 (emphasis and Focus piont)

Focal Point

-A focal point is the specific part of an area of emphasis to which the artist draws our eye

Emphasis and Focal Point in Action

-Artists can use direction, dramatic contrasts, and placement relationships to organize the elements in a work and draw our attention to areas of emphasis and focal points

Emphasis and Focal Point in Action:Contrast

-Artists look to create effects of contrast by positioning elements next to one another that are very different

Introduction

-Emphasis is the principle by which an artist draws attention to particular content in a work of art or design -A focal point is a specific place of visual emphasis -An artist can emphasize focal points through the use of line, implied line, value, color—any of the elements of art -Emphasis and focal point usually accentuate concepts, themes, or ideas the artist wants to express

Emphasis and Focal Point in Action:Line

-Line is an effective way to focus a viewer's attention in an artwork

Gentileschi, Judith Decapitating Holofernes Emphasis Used to Create Drama

-Through Gentileschi's use of directional line and contrasting values we are drawn irresistibly to the point where the climax of the story is unfolding -Judith's arms and those of her maidservant (visually connected to the sword itself) stretch toward the dark values of their victim's head -The light values of the five bare arms create strong directional lines that lead to the focal point where blood spurts from the violent attack on Holofernes' neck

Emphasis and Subordination

-When an artist emphasizes different elements in a work of art, he or she creates visual relationships and connections between them -The opposite of emphasis is subordination -Subordination draws our attention away from certain areas of a work