Emphasis by Dawn Wilson

There are four major principles of design. These principles include rhythm, balance, unity and emphasis. Emphasis is defined as the ability to attract attention and is often referred to as the focal point of the design. When looking at a composition, the correct use of emphasis causes the viewer to be drawn into the composition and helps them make sense of a it. It becomes the entry point of the image.

According to Paul Young, a graphic design instructor at Parkland College, emphasis can be created in three different ways. Contrast is used in designs by varying size, color, shape, and placement on the page. Another way to create emphasis is through isolation, or the unusualness of an item. (2002). Isolation can be created either by selecting a single item in the design, or by contrasting an image with the use of size, color, or shape. Location is also used in design to show emphasis. Location refers to the placement of the item on the page. Bear (2003) describes repetition as a design element which can be used to create a focal point in the design feature.

Remember a focal point allows the viewer to find a way into the design, a sort of starting place when viewing a page. If the designer does not have a focal point on the page, then the viewer will grow tired of the composition and move on. If there are several items on the page that compete for the viewer's attention, the message or emphasis could be misinterpreted or confusing to the viewer. Let's take a look at these elements in photographic compositions.

As you view the image to the right, one is immediately drawn to the white bridge and the color contrast sets the bridge apart from the dark foliage in the background and water in the foreground. The viewer immediately distinguishes the bridge as the focal point of the image. The arc created by the bridge also adds shape contrast to the design.
	Emphasis can also be seen in the floral composition to the lift where the designer's use of color, size and location add to the interest of the photo. The yellow rose bush is emphasized by the landscape designer's use of contrast by placing the roses in front of a pink and green background. Contrast is also created by the dark shadows and the light presented by the sun on the tips of the yellow rose petals. It is as if there is a spotlight on them. The rose bush alone is not all that spectacular, but when placed as the focal point of the image, it creates interest and focus to the composition.
Sometimes size can add emphasis. The size of this crowd, combined with their attire (color) adds emphasis within the stadium. While the fans do not realize that they are part of a master design plan, in effect their selection of clothing and seating provides a design element of emphasis in the football stadium where everyone's eyes are drawn to the seating section - even the opponents playing on the field.
	Isolation is another element of emphasis in design. In Napa Valley, California the selection of palm trees and flowers emphasize the entrance to the winery from the other scenery along the road. You can see the flat low vegetation surrounding the entrance and the palm trees set it apart and isolate it from the rest of the vineyard scenery.
Isolation is seen in the photo at the right by color, size and shape from the other flowers in the background. The focal point of the image is clearly the orange Zinnia and the viewer is drawn into the image through this entry point even with all the other competing colors and flowers in the design.
	Location is another element of emphasis. Statistics say that 41% of the viewing audience start to look at a design from the upper left-hand portion of the page. If your focal point is located in that general area, then the viewer will tend to locate and process the image faster. Notice how the contrasting element (the white flowers) draws the eye to the upper left corner of the photo.

Examples of topic in online museum

1. Name of piece of art: Two Cut Sunflowers 1887
Artist: Vincent Van Gogh
Museum: Van Gogh Gallery
URL: http://www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/sunflowers.htm
The link above connects you to a chart where you can see a series Van Gogh did on the Cut Sunflowers. The sunflowers are great examples of emphasis by isolation and color contrast. The last image has the two sunflowers heads sitting on a blue background with vivid brush strokes in stark contrast to the harvest gold and green heads. If you look at the other images included you will see how changing the color contrast changes the look and feel of the painting. The sunflowers are definitely the focal point of the painting, when combined with Van Gogh's style brings any art appreciator in for a closer look.

2. Name of piece of art: Poplars Along the River Epte, Autumn 1891 - private collection
Artist: Claude Monet
Museum: Monet Web Museum
URL:http://sunsite.sut.ac.jp/wm/paint/auth/monet/poplars-epte/monet.poplars-autumn.jpg
This painting is an excellent example of emphasis in many ways. The image shows emphasis by repetition. The poplars are also a great example of emphasis by contrasting size. The painting leads the viewer down the trail as the poplar trees get smaller in the distance. Monet uses color and light to show emphasis as you are drawn even to the leaves tipped in sunlight.

Bibliography

1. Bear, J. (2002). Design Principles. Retrieved from http://desktoppub.about.com/cs/designprinciples/a/emphasis.htm on August 29, 2003

2. Graphic Design (2002). Design Principles, Spokane Falls Community College. Retrieved from http://graphicdesign.sfcc.spokane.cc.wa.us/grdsn101/designprinciples/designprinciples.htm on August 29, 2003

3. Young, P. (2002). Graphic Design Principles. Retrieved from http://virtual.parkland.edu/gds/130/e2a.html on August 29, 2003. Autumn