This document defines emphasis in art and describes 5 types of emphasis: 1. Size - Bigger elements have more emphasis 2. Location - Elements in the center have most emphasis 3. Contrast - Elements that contrast in color, tone, or texture have more emphasis 4. Difference - Elements that are different from surrounding elements have more emphasis 5. Lines directing the eye - Elements that lead the viewer's eye through composition have emphasis

1. Elements and Principles
EMPHASIS . . .

2. Today’s Goals
1) Define EMPHASIS
2) 5 Types of Emphasis
Size
Location
Contrast
Difference
Lines directing the eye.

3. EMPHASIS
Definition:
Is used to direct and focus attention on the
most important parts of a composition
Emphasis is also called POINT OF FOCUS.

4. EMPHASIS
SIZE:
BIGGER
is always
better.

5. EMPHASIS
SIZE:
BIGGER
is always
better.
1
2
3
4

6. EMPHASIS
SIZE:
BIGGER
is always
better.

7. EMPHASIS
LOCATION:
The centre
has most
emphasis.

8. EMPHASIS
LOCATION:
The centre
has most
emphasis.
2
1
3
Objects going off of the canvas (2) and
touching the edge (3) are next.

9. LOCATION:
The centre has most emphasis.
John Trumbull
The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis

10. EMPHASIS
CONTRAST:
Of colour /
tone / texture,
etc.

11. EMPHASIS
CONTRAST:
Of colour /
tone / texture,
etc.

12. Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867–1947)
The Terrace at Vernonnet, 1939
Oil on canvas; H. 58-1/4, W. 76-3/4 in.
Colour contrast

13. EMPHASIS
DIFFERENCE:
From all other
elements in the
composition.

14. EMPHASIS
DIFFERENCE:
From all other
elements in the
composition.

15. EMPHASIS
DIFFERENCE:
From all other
elements in the
composition.
Gustav Klimt
(Austrian, 1862–1918)
Serena Pulitzer Lederer 1899

16. Grant Wood (American, 1892–1942)
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, 1931
Oil on Masonite; H. 30, W. 40 in. (76.2 x 101.6 cm)

18. EMPHASIS
Lines Directing:
Other elements
lead viewers
eye

19. EMPHASIS
Lines Directing:
Other elements
lead viewers
eye

20. EMPHASIS
Lines Directing:
Other elements
lead viewers
eye

22. Georges Seurat
French, 1859-1891
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte—1884, 1884-86

23. Review
5 Types of Emphasis
Size
Location
Contrast
Difference
Lines directing the eye.