Emphasis

“…when looking at art, our eyes tend to gravitate toward features that demand our attention. Artists and designers use the principle of emphasis to compel the viewer to specific parts of a work. Artists may use emphasis to create one or more focal points in a work. Focal points are specific areas or parts of the whole that seize and maintain the viewer’s attention.” (page 212, Foundations of Art and Design, Lois Fichner-Rathus)

Size: The use of extremely large or small objects in an artwork can create emphasis.

Directional Lines: Visual lines that lead the eye to a focal point.

Placement/Position: Where do you want the viewer to look? Could you have objects partially off the picture plane or sculpturally extending the edges of the piece?

Isolation: Do you wish to bring attention to something by virtue of the fact that it is apart from everything else that is happening?

Content: What if you had a pelican perched on top of a banana split? What is the story you are trying to tell, and what are the components for creating the story?

Contrast: You may use differences in line quality, value, color, pattern, texture, or shape for contrast.

Detail: Consider using extreme detail in one area, and less, more minimal, or more abstract in another.