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Emphasis

EMPHASIS 

Emphasis is another principle of art. Artists use emphasis to make certain parts of their artwork stand out and grab your attention. The center of interest or focal point is the place the artist draws your eye to first.

In this painting by Norman Rockwell, the viewer’s eye is drawn to the face of the man standing up in the crowd of people.  The dark wall behind the man helps to emphasize this as the focal point.

Rockwell

The First Amendment, by Norman Rockwell 


 Artists use the Elements of Art to create Emphasis in their artwork.  

In the examples below, notice where your eye is drawn within the composition of each rectangle...


Emphasis thru Line

Emphasis through Line

Emphasis thru Shape

Emphasis through Shape

Emphasis thru Space

Emphasis through Space

Emphasis thru Scale

Emphasis through Scale/Proportion

Emphasis thru Color

Emphasis through Color

Emphasis thru Value

Emphasis through Value