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Emphasis in Art

WHAT IS EMPHASIS IN ART?

Emphasis in art is one of several principles of art, which are utilized alongside the elements of art. This principle refers to how various elements are applied to draw our, the viewers, attention to a specific focal point.

USING EMPHASIS IN ART

CONTRAST

Creating a contrast between the subject matter will emphasize the focal point, this can be applied through various elements like color, value, line, or texture.

CONVERGENCE

Convergence refers to using lines to draw attention to a focal point, which is usually termed the “vanishing point”, this is referred to as linear perspective.

SEPARATION OR ISOLATION

This refers to the placement of the primary subject matter of artwork as separate from the rest of the subject matter.

creation of exception

This involves depicting the primary subject as different from the rest of the subject matter so that it stands out. This will often appear strange, out of place, or unnatural.

subordination

Subordination refers to “de-emphasizing” the subject matter around the primary subject to create emphasis on the focal point.

emphasis artwork examples

Impression, Sunrise (1872) by Claude Monet The Last Supper (1495 to 1498) by Leonardo da Vinci Cristina’s World (1948) by Andrew Wyeth Blue Horses (1911) by Franz Marc Still Life with Fruit Dish (1879 to 1880) by Paul Cézanne