Think about it: A focal point is created by the artist, not the subject.
For example, a single barn is sitting alone in a field does not make it the focal point. It becomes the focal point only if the artist emphasizes it. But if the emphasis is placed elsewhere, the barn becomes
secondary. To show what I'm talking about, let's use this photo of an old barn and play with a couple of rough studies.
First, let's get something out of the way. This is play time. It's experimenting to discover possibilities beyond that with which we're already comfortable. We're looking for
ideas.
For this experiment, we can begin by setting a rough block-in in a middle value range. I've created two of these. Idea Number 1: Find a way to shift the focal point to the distant trees on the right. Playing with my Wacom painting tablet, here’s a rough study of one way to do
that.
Notice how the dark trees against strongly lit grass in the distance pull your eye there. It would work well to build a painting around this idea by keeping contrast close within the barn, keeping edges soft and
allowing the strongest contrast to be in those distant trees.
Idea Number 2: Find a way to shift the focal point to the small area in front of the
barn
Here's another possibility. We could shift the strongest contrast to the fence post in front and keep other value contrasts closer within the barn and in the
distance.
Try this:
- Choose any single subject located within an
environment.
- Block-in as close to identical as possible three small panels, keeping each block-in at middle value range throughout.
- On the first panel, begin to develop a study, but keep the value and intensity at a contrast closer than you see them. This is to allow placing the strong contrast at a new focal
point.
- Then choose to be the focal point an area other than the main image and develop it in a stronger contrast. Work it until your eye goes there first, but it feels natural.
- Now, use the same procedure on your second panel, only this time shift the strongest contrast to another area. Do the same for the
third.
These three studies will show you how you can shift the focal point to an area other then the main subject. Being able to do this opens up many possibilities for working with images beyond merely copying them. Have fun!
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