An artist that wishing to capture the viewer and control their interest toward the focal point in their painting can take lessons from some of the masters. I discussed this in a blog post about a year ago, and I feel it necessary to repeat some of the content since the post is nearing its extinction point.
There are certain things an artist can do to accomplish this. One is to surround the center of interest with opposite colors, a good utilization of grey’s, value contrasts, and other methods, strategies and techniques. However, it can also be done with the composition itself. I personally like this last method because it keeps me constantly aware when creating  my over all painting.

I’ve always been intrigued by the directional art of Grant Wood’s, American Gothic. It really captivates the viewer’s attention, and it was not by mistake; it was totally intentional. When I was young, hardly did I ever go into a house that I didn’t see a copy of this painting hanging on the wall. I believe it was one of the most popular pieces of art in the United States at the time. The genius of the piece is in the composition of the background. It can literally keep the viewer’s eyes locked in to the farmer and his wife.

If you will note, the angle of the roof between the two people in the painting directs your eyes to their faces.  To make sure your eyes do not dart  around much, the darker color of the porch roof redirects your eyes.  Even the vertical window sills keep your eyes centered.  If that isn’t enough, the prongs of the pitchfork does the same thing.  But even if that’s not enough, and your eyes began to wander down to the darker hues of the clothes, the strong complement of the light colored shirt on the farmer, and the white color on his wife’s blouse brings your eyes back to the face.  Then if you happen to notice the red barn (and who couldn’t notice it?), you still can’t concentrate on it for long because the dark shoulder makes your eyes travel back up to his face.  To concentrate on the rest of the painting instead of these two “main characters”, the center of interest, you need to block them out with a piece of paper (or whatever).  You can’t get away from them.
As I mentioned, Grant Wood’s directing his viewers to keep captivated on the center of interest was planned and intentional. You, as an artist, can give your artwork serious consideration of some of these points, and carefully prepare your art compositions.  Consider the work Grant Wood put into planning this great piece of art.  It will make for a much more appreciated painting.

The depiction of Grant Wood’s painting, American Gothic, is for viewer’s art information and education only. The image does not represent the value or quality of the work.

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