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Digital Photography

The page supports the delivery of Digital Photography as a graduate course taught at the University of West Georgia.

Emphasis

Defining Emphasis

Emphasis can be defined as the "highlighted" areas of an artwork where the artist employs various visual elements to focus attention. This technique allows the artist to draw the viewer's eye to particular artwork parts, thereby underscoring themes or ideas.

Focal Points

A focal point is the specific area of emphasis within an artwork. It is where the viewer's gaze is naturally directed. For example, in Francisco de Zurbarán's The Funeral of St. Bonaventure, the white cloth of the saint serves as a focal point due to its stark contrast with the surrounding darker hues (3.4: Principles of Design- Emphasis, Focal Point, and Subordination, 2024).

Techniques

Artists utilize various techniques to establish emphasis:

  1. Contrast: Strong contrasts can enhance visual interest and highlight focal points. In Anna Vallayer-Coster's Still Life with Lobster, the red lobster stands against a green background, drawing immediate attention (3.4: Principles of Design, 2024).
  2. Color: Bold colors can create a sense of emphasis. Using complementary colors or striking hues can make certain elements pop, guiding the viewer's focus.
  3. Direction: Implied lines can lead the viewer's eye to the focal point. For example, in Artemisia Gentileschi's Judith Decapitating Holofernes, directional lines formed by the figures' arms emphasize the critical moment in the narrative (3.4: Principles of Design, 2024).
  4. Placement: The arrangement of elements within a composition also plays a crucial role. In Ando Hiroshige's Riverside Bamboo Market, Kyo-bashi, the positioning of the moon, bridge, and figure creates multiple focal points that engage the viewer's interest (3.4: Principles of Design, 2024).\

References

Humanities LibreTexts. (2024, April 9). 3.4: Principles of design - Emphasis, focal point, and subordination.

https://human.libretexts.org/Courses/Prince_George's_Community_College/Introduction_to_Art_and_Art_History_Part_I/03%3A_Foundation-_Principles_of_Design/3.04%3A_Principles_of_Design-_Emphasis_Focal_Point_and_Subordination