EMPHASIS: Key Terms
Emphasis through repetition
An artist can draw attention to an object by repeating it over and over in the composition. This does not usually emphasize a specific area of the composition, but rather emphasizes the subject of the artwork because it is repeated. It screams- LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME!
Emphasis through isolation
Artists use isolation to create a focal point and thereby emphasize one part of their work. They do this by putting one object alone, apart from all the other objects. This draws the viewer's eye to the isolated object. Setting something apart from everything else isolates it. This emphasized the item and crates a focal point. This can also carry meaning in an artwork. WHY is that item by itself?
Emphasis
EMPHASIS is a technique that compels the viewer's eye toward a certain area of the composition.
Emphasis through the unusual
In a work of art, an object that is out of the ordinary can become the focal point. If something is unusual, your eye will be drawn to it. An artist can emphasize a certain item in a composition by making it different or unusual.
Emphasis through contrast
One way to create a focal point is to place an element that contrasts with the rest of the work in that area. As you know, contrast is a large difference in the elements of art. This is a VERY common and easy way of emphasizing something in the composition to create a focal point. In the image above, we see a huge contrast between the green apple and the wood behind it. This draws our eyes immediately to the apple.
Emphasis through placement
Placement / location is another method used to create a focal point for emphasis. A viewer's eye is normally drawn toward the center of a visual area. Thus, something near the center will probably be noticed first.
No area of emphasis?
Sometimes, there ISN'T a focal point! The artist may not have desired to focus on any specific section of the composition. They could still wish to place emphasis on the color of the artwork, or maybe the texture, or line, or some other element... but not a specific item or area of the composition. By not having a focal point, the eye zooms and hops around the canvas, adding to the visual movement and chaos of this painting.
Focal Point
The FOCAL POINT is the area which is emphasized. What you see first. The focal point is the red circle. That is the area your eye is drawn to first.
Emphasis through convergence
When many elements in a work seem to point to one item, that item becomes the focal point. To converge means to come together at a point. When parts of a composition seem to point or come together at one point, this point is emphasized. Notice how the abstract artwork above converges at a central focal point.
