Foundations of Design

Foundations of Design

Chapter 10: Emphasis and Focal Point

Chapter 10: Emphasis and Focal Point

TermsTerms

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

Relationships between Emphasis and Focal Point

Sometimes the concepts of emphasis and focal point are synonymous.

Fig. 10.1 Lucas by Chuck Close

The focal point of a composition is not always in its center.

Fig. 10.2 The Outbreak Kathe Kollwitz

Sometimes the concepts of emphasis and focal point are synonymous.

Fig. 10.1 Lucas by Chuck Close

The focal point of a composition is not always in its center.

Fig. 10.2 The Outbreak Kathe Kollwitz

Methods of Creating Emphasis and Focal Points

Methods of Creating Emphasis and Focal PointsSome 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 ContrastCompare and Contrast

Fig. 10.3 Marilyn Diptych by Andy Warhol

Fig. 10.3 Marilyn Diptych by Andy Warhol

Fig. 10.4 My Marilyn by Richard Hamilton

Emphasis by Directional Lines

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. 10.5 Bauhaus Stairway by Oskar Schlemmer

Emphasis by ContrastEmphasis 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. 10.7 ? by Layla Ali

Emphasis by PlacementEmphasis by PlacementEmphasis 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.

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. 10.9 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 IsolationEmphasis by Isolation• Placement of one image or element apart from others

can create emphasis.• Placement of one image or element apart from others

can create emphasis.

Fig. 10.10 Lunch II from the Missing Persons series by Ger Van Elk

Emphasis by ContentEmphasis by Content

• The subject or content of the piece becomes the emphasis.

• The subject or content of the piece becomes the emphasis.

Fig. 10.12 Great Criticism:Coca-Cola by Wang Guangyi

Multiple Focal PointsMultiple 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. 10.13 Barbacoa para Cumpleaños by Carmen Lomas

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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. 10.13 Barbacoa para Cumpleaños by Carmen Lomas

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Degree of EmphasisDegree 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. 10.15 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. 10.15 Noise, Pencil, Broken Pencil, Cheap Western by Edward Ruscha

Absence of Focal PointAbsence 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. 10.17 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. 10.17 Untitled by Sara Sze