Notice how the combination of colors and lines play with depth of space, and receding and advancing areas. They are also smaller areas than the square, thin lines rather than a large square that dominates the composition. Although the colors in the rest of the composition are fairly intense, they are much less intense than the magenta circle. It is obvious that the magenta square is emphasized in the composition, and is definitely the focal point. Op art plays with visual perception and often, color combinations or patterns that can be very difficult to look at and focus on. This is an example of op art, a movement that became popular in the 1960's. Therefore, the red circle is the focal point of the composition.Įxamples of emphasis, and subordination in artwork Complementary colors (across from each other on the color wheel) with a high degree of intensity draw the most attention. The large, intensely red circle is bordered with an intense green that is a complementary color to the red, and equal in its intensity. The large circle is an extremely intense (pure) color which contrasts dramatically with the muted gray circles and background.

Conversely, although there are many gray circles, they are small in size, very muted in color, and blend in rather than stand out from the background. It is the largest object in the composition. In the example below, it is very clear that the emphasis is on the red circle. Subordination is defined as minimizing or toning down other compositional elements in order to bring attention to the focal point.įocal point refers to an area in the composition that has the most significance, an area that the artist wants to draw attention to as the most important aspect. What is emphasis? What is subordination? And how do they relate to each other and the composition?Įmphasis is defined as an area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point.

Principles of design unity art