Foundations of Design Chapter 10: Emphasis and Focal Point

Terms Emphasis - when an artist or designer uses a technique to make the viewer look at a particular part of their piece. Focal Point - A specific part or area of a piece that seizes and maintains the attention of the viewer. Emphasis - when an artist or designer uses a technique to make the viewer look at a particular part of their piece. Focal Point - A specific part or area of a piece that seizes and maintains the attention of the viewer.

Relationships between Emphasis and Focal Point Sometimes the concepts of emphasis and focal point are synonymous. Fig Lucas by Chuck Close The focal point of a composition is not always in its center. Fig The Outbreak Kathe Kollwitz Sometimes the concepts of emphasis and focal point are synonymous. Fig Lucas by Chuck Close The focal point of a composition is not always in its center. Fig The Outbreak Kathe Kollwitz

Methods of Creating Emphasis and Focal Points Some of the various methods used by artists to create focal points are: Isolation Directional lines Contrast Content Placement Some of the various methods used by artists to create focal points are: Isolation Directional lines Contrast Content Placement

Compare and Contrast Fig Marilyn Diptych by Andy Warhol Fig My Marilyn by Richard Hamilton

Emphasis by Directional Lines Artist can encourage the viewer to focus on a specific point or area of a composition by using directional lines. Other aspects that help create emphasis: Strong lines Bright areas of color And content Artist can encourage the viewer to focus on a specific point or area of a composition by using directional lines. Other aspects that help create emphasis: Strong lines Bright areas of color And content Fig Bauhaus Stairway by Oskar Schlemmer

Emphasis by Contrast Emphasis can be achieved by various forms of contrast like: If several elements are the same and one stands apart, is different, or is depicted in a more vibrant or energetic way it will become emphasized. Emphasis can be achieved by various forms of contrast like: If several elements are the same and one stands apart, is different, or is depicted in a more vibrant or energetic way it will become emphasized. Fig ? by Layla Ali

Emphasis by Placement Emphasis on a particular area or image in a composition can be effected when several of the components direct the viewer’s gaze towards a focal pt. Fig Welcome the World Famous Brand Name by The Luo Brothers (This image uses a very traditional composition for the depiction of religious icons.)

Emphasis by Isolation Placement of one image or element apart from others can create emphasis. Fig Lunch II from the Missing Persons series by Ger Van Elk

Emphasis by Content The subject or content of the piece becomes the emphasis. Fig Great Criticism:Coca-Cola by Wang Guangyi

Multiple Focal Points Some pieces of art have multiple focal points. An artist might do this for a number of reasons including iconographic reasons: Iconographic - the images are more important than a style or technique. Accents - Multiple points of emphasis. Fig Barbacoa para Cumpleaños by Carmen Lomas Garza Some pieces of art have multiple focal points. An artist might do this for a number of reasons including iconographic reasons: Iconographic - the images are more important than a style or technique. Accents - Multiple points of emphasis. Fig Barbacoa para Cumpleaños by Carmen Lomas Garza

Degree of Emphasis There is a focal point and then sometimes there is a FOCAL POINT. The emphasis on a single element is exaggerated to create an almost forced focal point. Fig Noise, Pencil, Broken Pencil, Cheap Western by Edward Ruscha There is a focal point and then sometimes there is a FOCAL POINT. The emphasis on a single element is exaggerated to create an almost forced focal point. Fig Noise, Pencil, Broken Pencil, Cheap Western by Edward Ruscha

Absence of Focal Point An artist may also chose to deliberately NOT have a focal point. This may play to a theme or it may advance a narrative. Fig Untitled by Sara Sze An artist may also chose to deliberately NOT have a focal point. This may play to a theme or it may advance a narrative. Fig Untitled by Sara Sze