Value as Emphasis (16)

Value Emphasis: use of a light-and-dark contrast to create a focal point within a composition.


"Saint Joseph the Carpenter" by Georges de LA TOUR

If a viewer looks at this painting, the first thing they should notice is the light on Jesus' face. This creates a focal point by using value as emphasis. By putting the light on his face, the eye moves directly to it since it is the brightest spot. As a viewer continues to look at the painting, they begin to notice other features that the light hits but as the light fades, detail begins to be lost and eventually completely gone. The light is directly against the darkest spot of the painting creating contrast.