1. Creating and Understanding Focal Point-Emphasis
What is a Focal Point? Focal points refer to the areas of the artwork that demand the viewer's attention.

2. Strategies Used to Create a Focal Point
There are several devices that artists can use to ensure that subjects are seen in an artwork. 
1. Contrast
2. Isolation
3. Placement
4. Convergence
5. The Unusual

3. Contrast
One way to create a focal point in art is through the use of contrast. Contrast refers to difference. Any type of difference in imagery will result in that element becoming a focal point. Difference or contrast can come in many different forms.  Color, value, texture, shape, and form can all create contrast.  By combining elements, you can increase the contrast that is created, thus strengthening the focal point.
This artwork is an example of using Contrast to
Create a focal point. The cowboy is the only part of the painting
That has any color. The rest of the painting is grey.
Therefore, the cowboy stands out against the background.

4. Isolation
Another way to create a focal point in artwork is through isolation. Whenever one object or element is separated from a group it becomes isolated and in turn, becomes a focal point.
This painting is an example of using Isolation to
create a focal point. The girl is separate from the buildings
In the background. Our eye immediately goes to the object
that is removed.

5. Placement
Objects that are placed in the center of the picture plane or near center will naturally become a focal point. Most of the time, a focal point that is not exactly center is preferred. By placing an object or element just off center, you can create a focal point through placement without affecting the aesthetics of the work. 
This painting is an example of using Placement
to create a focal point. The woman is placed
close to the center of the artwork. She is the first thing
we see when we look at the painting.

6. Convergence
A fourth way to create a focal point in artwork is to use implied lines to direct a viewer's eye to an object or element. This technique is known as convergence.
This painting shows convergence. The implied
lines of the painting move the eye towards
the mother and her child.

7. The Unusual
Another way to create a focal point in artwork is to introduce an object or element that is unusual to the scene. This object will stand out and demand attention thus creating a focal point.
This collage shows the unusual to create a focal point. The spoon with whipped cream and a cherry takes the place of a head, drawing our attention to it!

8. Identification
View the next slides and identify which strategy the artist is using to create a focal point or Emphasis.

9. What strategy is illustrated in this photo?
Explain you r answer

10. What strategy is shown in the photo?
Explain your answer

11. What strategy is illustrated in this photo?
Explain your answer

12. What strategy is shown in the photo?
Explain your answer

13. What strategy is shown in the photo?
Explain your answer

14. Example of Notability Assignment