Emphasis and Focal Point

There are many ways for creators to attract the attention of the viewer to a part, parts, or even the entire work. The method of attraction is known as emphasis. Emphasis typically employs the tool of focal point, or the actually elements at work to bring focus to the main subject of the work. A favorite example of focal point is Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl With the Pearl Earring”. The pearl earring is the infamous focal point of this piece. Focal points can be created by the use of contrast, isolation, and placement furthering the emphasis of the work.

Emphasis by contrast creates a focal point by the contrast of an element from the other elements. This contrast typically serves as an end to the pattern of the work, thus attracting the viewer to the difference. An image found at http://www.funkykittyproductions.com/images/art_images/emphasis_by_contrast.jpg of raindrops is a good example of contrast. All the raindrops are alike in form and placement, but our eye is drawn to the one raindrop in blue. This blue raindrop contrasts the black raindrops that take up the majority of the page. Just as well, in Vermeer’s painting he utilizes the contrast of the reflective, shiny pearl with the muted colors of the cloth. The grey of the pearl is striking against the blue and brownish yellows of the cloths. Contrast can be used in more ways other than just color like shape, direction, and any other elements that can offer confliction or interruption to the prevailing design.

Emphasis by isolation establishes a focal point by placing an element of the design in a manner isolating it from the rest of the design. Good examples for isolation are all around in society. Classroom or lecture hall designs put the emphasis to the front of the room where the speaker addresses the listeners. The idea that by arranging the room to isolate the speaker stresses the emphasis put on listening when the space is occupied. Vermeer’s painting may stress isolation through Pearl being isolated in the shadows of the neck, rather than in the light that catches the cloth and face.

Lastly, emphasis by placement sets up a focal point by placing elements so that they draw the viewers’ attention to one item or place. Francisco Goya’s painting of “The Executions of the Third of May” places the men to be executed at the end of the sharp tipped guns of the faceless, cold members of an army. The men to die are all kneeling or turned from death, but one man at the center. The placement of this man amid the soldiers and fellow massacred is for emphasis. He is placed above the rest and in the light putting the emphasis on him and his pending death.

Emphasis and focal point not only draw viewers into works, but also offer some clarity. By emphasizing certain parts of a work the subject becomes more defined, or the focal point of the work. In doing so, works can become more organized and their meanings more fluid. Without emphasis viewers are left confused and do not understand the work. Take for example our social emphasis on the main speaker of person in the room at the front of it. If society didn’t isolate this person for the masses people might not be able to hear, see, or even understand the person. Other people might talk causing confusion as to who was speaking or if that was a point the main speaker was making. Emphasis and focal points serve as visual guides allowing viewers to navigate through a work and the ideas brought up by the work

Vermeer Image from: http://bambybam.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/0005020vermeer20-20girl20with20the20pearl20earring20-20painting20style20vermeer.jpg

Image by Goya borrowed from: http://www.executedtoday.com/images/Goya_Third_of_May

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