Emphasis

Sometimes art tells a story. All good stories have a hero or, at least, a main character. Visual art can have a main character too- or the main subject. The main character does not have to be a person. An object or area within the composition can serve as the main character in an artwork. In a story, the main character, often called the protagonist is not hard to identify. In a book, the protagonist usually has the most dialogue while in a movie, the most screen-time. However, there is no dialogue in an artwork and every element gets equal amount of screen time, or rather, space.

So how do we, as artists, designate the main character in a painting? How do we get our audience to look where we want them to look? The answer to those questions is emphasis. Emphasis is the principle of art that helps the audience put the story of an artwork together in their own minds. Emphasis uses the elements of art to draw the viewers attention toward a focal point.

The focal point is meant to be the part of an artwork to which the viewer’s eyes are first attracted. Artworks can have multiple focal points. The degree to which the focal points stand out determines the order in which the viewer notices them.

Different Ways to Show Emphasis

Unusual

Using a combination of unusual things helps to draw attention. Its like when Mr. Robinson wore a skirt the pep rally. Everyone was talking about it!

Isolation

Isolation is a straight-forward way to ensure the “main character” of a picture is noticed. Place an object of emphasis outside of a grouping and you will force your audience to take notice of it.

Convergence

Lines and edges can work like arrows to indicate a focal point. Not only obvious lines work but implied lines (invisible lines) as well. For example, the direction of a person’s gaze can indicate to the audience where to look next.

Contrast

Using contrasting (different) shapes, colors, textures, patterns, values, tones.. will all help with creating emphasis.

Shapes

Change the shapes of objects to draw more attention to them; distort them or make them look different.

Texture

Change the texture of a surface or object to make it more noticeable.

Sizes

Alter the size of an object to draw more attention to it; make it smaller or larger than everything else

Lines

Use lines to create or draw attention.

Colors

Bright color is usually attractive. Road signs and traffic lights are brightly colored for a reason – to get our attention. There are three specific ways you can use contrast to add emphasize: Complementary Colors, Isolated Color or Absent/Lack of Color