Focal Points

(ABOVE) Vermeer, “Girl with the Pearl Earring,” 1665 After you review the videos/powerpoint for this week, please respond to the following prompts: This week we looked at the ways in which artists create a focal point or emphasis that catches the viewer’s attention. One technique is to have the subject make eye contact with the viewer, because we are compelled to look back at them; another is through contrast, size, or color. Browse the collection of the National Portrait Gallery. The Whitney Museum of American Art, or any of the other museum websites we’ve used thus far. Find and post an example that catches your eye. What caught your eye — what do you think is the focal point of this artwork (and why)? How did the artist create that focal point and direct your eye?