Emphasis and Subordination

Emphasis: an artist uses specific techniques in a work of art

to draw our attention to areas he wishes to give dominance.
Focal Point: If an artwork has one area, spot, or figure that is
the center of attention it is called a focal point.
Subordination: areas of an artwork that appear secondary or
neutral are called subordinate.
It is very important that artists create the perfect balance
between areas of emphasis and areas that are subordinate. If
there is not a distinct contrast between the two the viewer will
become confused.

Artists use a variety of different devices to draw our

attention to specific areas in an artwork. Viewers are
manipulated through a number of techniques to
focus on the area or areas that an artist wants us to
contemplate. The following slides illustrate some of
these devices.

Focal Point by Isolation

Focal Point by Isolation

By limiting the number of objects in the artwork and giving one object lots of space an artist gives us
no other choice but to look at the area dominating empty space. In this painting William Harnett makes
sure we focus on the gun by removing any other competing objects.

Focal Point by Isolation

John Singer Sargent also uses isolation in the painting above to make the couple to focal point. He
creates a vast amount of space around them and relegates all the other figures to the background.
The large amount of space intensifies the couples importance.

Focal Point by Isolation

In The Dance Class by Edgar Degas the dance instructor in the middle is emphasized by the space
surrounding him. The figures are all arranged in around him and are subordinate to his isolated space.

Focal Point by Isolation

Andrew Wyatts bread and butter signature compositional style is focal point by isolation.

Focal Point by Contrast

Focal Point by Contrast

Another device artists use to create dominance in a work of art is by contrast. We have a tendency to
gravitate toward areas that are easier for us to see. Lighter areas against darker backgrounds jump
out of the picture plane and appear more significant. The Dutch Baroque artist, Rembrandt was
famous for using contrast to create focal points in his works.

Focal Point by Contrast

Contrast also happens between colors. You may remember from the last unit that warm colors
advance while cool colors recede. Notice how the caf seems to come to life against the cool blue
background. By placing these colors next to each other van Gogh was able to achieve a highly
dynamic focal point.

Focal Point by Contrast

I am sure we all agree that the focal point in this painting is the body of Christ as He is being lowered
into the tomb. The artist Caravaggio achieved that by extreme contrast between the light body of
Christ and the darker figures surrounding him.

Focal Point by Contrast

To illustrate this point I used Photoshop and darkened the body of Christ. Notice in the image to the
right Christ becomes the secondary figure to the women at the back of the painting.

Focal Point by Directional Line

Focal Point by Directional Line

One of the devices used to create a focal point in this painting is directional line. Caravaggio used the
perspective lines from the table, the actual lines of the figure on the rights arms, and strong implied
lines of sight to draw us to Christ as He is blessing the food.

Focal Point by Size

Focal Point by Size

To insure that a focal point is the center of attention an artist might use size to dominate the entire
picture plane. Based on sheer size the girls become the focal point of the painting above.

The artist M.C. Escher purposely played with the figure/ground relationship in
many of his works. He exploited our sense of emphasis and subordination.
What is the dominant area of this work? You want to immediately say the faces
but then when you think about it you realize that the faces are just defining the
negative space. They wont work without each other!