You can create emphasis or a focal point in a composition by accentuating specific shapes or forms, intensifying value or color, or strategically placing and isolating objects to draw the viewer's attention.
In any visual composition, from paintings and photographs to graphic design and web layouts, creating emphasis is crucial. Having emphasis or a focal point serves the primary purpose of bringing the viewer's attention in to a particular part of the composition. This guides the eye and helps communicate the main subject or message effectively.
Achieving a strong focal point can be done through various techniques that make one element or area stand out from the rest.
Methods for Creating a Focal Point
Several techniques can be employed, often in combination, to establish a clear focal point in your work.
Accentuate Shapes and Forms
One effective way to draw the eye is by making a specific shape or form more prominent or unique compared to its surroundings.
- Unique Shape: Introducing a shape that differs significantly in form from others in the composition.
- Varying Size: Making the focal object considerably larger or smaller than other elements.
- Adding Detail: Rendering one area with much more detail or texture than the rest of the composition.
Example: Imagine a composition of simple geometric squares, with one intricate, organic spiral placed among them. The spiral's unique form immediately becomes the focal point.
Intensify Value or Color
Contrast is a powerful tool for creating emphasis. Using differences in value (lightness and darkness) or the intensity and relationship of colors can instantly highlight an area.
- Value Contrast: Placing a very light element against a very dark background, or vice versa. The stronger the difference, the more the eye is drawn.
- Color Saturation: Using a highly saturated (bright, pure) color surrounded by desaturated (muted, greyed) colors.
- Color Contrast: Utilizing complementary colors placed next to each other, as they create visual tension and stand out.
Example: A single bright red apple placed on a monochrome (black and white or shades of grey) table uses intense color and value contrast to become the focal point.
Strategic Placement and Isolation
Where an object is positioned within the frame, or if it is set apart from other elements, significantly impacts whether it becomes a focal point.
- Placement within the Frame: Positioning the subject near the center, slightly off-center (like on intersection points of the rule of thirds), or along strong compositional lines.
- Isolation: Surrounding the focal point with negative space (empty area) to make it stand out and prevent distractions.
- Leading Lines: Using compositional elements like lines, paths, or gaze direction to guide the viewer's eye towards the intended focal point.
Example: A lone tree standing in a vast, empty landscape is isolated by the surrounding negative space, making it the undisputed focal point. Placing an object at the end of a winding road uses strategic placement and leading lines.
Summary of Focal Point Techniques
| Technique | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Accentuate Shapes/Forms | Make specific shapes unique, larger, or more detailed | A complex object among simple ones |
| Intensify Value or Color | Use strong contrast in light/darkness or color | A bright color against a muted background |
| Strategic Placement/Isolation | Position objects deliberately or surround with space | Object alone in the center or empty space |
By consciously applying these methods, artists and designers can effectively guide the viewer's eye and establish clear points of interest in their compositions.
