Elements and Principles

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

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

1

2

3

4
EMPHASIS
SIZE:
BIGGER
is always
better.
EMPHASIS
LOCATION:
The centre
has most
emphasis.
EMPHASIS
LOCATION:
The centre
has most
emphasis.

2
1

3

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

John Trumbull
The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis
EMPHASIS
CONTRAST:
Of colour /
tone / texture,
etc.
EMPHASIS
CONTRAST:
Of colour /
tone / texture,
etc.
Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867–1947)
The Terrace at Vernonnet, 1939
Oil on canvas; H. 58-1/4, W. 76-3/4 in.

Colour contrast
EMPHASIS
DIFFERENCE:
From all other
elements in the
composition.
EMPHASIS
DIFFERENCE:
From all other
elements in the
composition.
EMPHASIS
DIFFERENCE:
From all other
elements in the
composition.
Gustav Klimt
(Austrian, 1862–1918)
Serena Pulitzer Lederer 1899
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)
EMPHASIS
Lines Directing:
Other elements
lead viewers
eye
EMPHASIS
Lines Directing:
Other elements
lead viewers
eye
EMPHASIS
Lines Directing:
Other elements
lead viewers
eye
Georges Seurat
French, 1859-1891

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte—1884, 1884-86
Review

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

Elements and Principles:Emphasis