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Art

Stand Out: Using Contrast to Create Emphasis

Overview

Students explore how artists make certain parts of an image stand out more than others, then apply contrast to create a clear focal point in their own work.

Learning Objective
Students understand how contrast (differences in colour, size, shape, or tone) can be used to create emphasis and guide the viewer’s attention.

Resources needed

  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Optional: coloured pencils or markers

Lesson stages

0 / 10 done
  1. 1 Begin with a discussion: what makes something stand out in a picture?
  2. 2 Introduce contrast: light vs dark, big vs small, bold vs thin, colour vs no colour.
  3. 3 Show or describe simple examples (e.g. a bright object on a dull background).
  4. 4 Students identify contrasts in their surroundings.
  5. 5 Explain emphasis: the most important part of the image that draws attention.
  6. 6 Students plan a simple image with one clear focal point.
  7. 7 Create the drawing using contrast to make that focal point stand out.
  8. 8 Encourage use of at least two types of contrast (e.g. size and tone).
  9. 9 In pairs, students point to the focal point in each other’s work.
  10. 10 Discuss: what techniques made the focal point clear?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Use only black and white to explore tonal contrast.
  • Create abstract designs instead of representational images.
  • Limit to one type of contrast (e.g. size only).
More information

Teach: contrast, emphasis, focal point, light, dark, bold, subtle. Use frames: 'This stands out because…', 'I used contrast by…'.

Provide a template with a marked focal area. Allow use of high-contrast materials (e.g. black marker on white paper). Offer guided examples.

Can students create a clear focal point? Can they explain how contrast was used to achieve emphasis?

Use natural contrasts (light/dark surfaces) and draw in sand or dirt. Discussion-based version also effective.

Students may try to make everything stand out equally, reducing emphasis. Reinforce the idea of one main focus.

Contrast and emphasis are key design principles used across art, advertising, and media to direct viewer attention.

Activity details
Primary Medium 30 minutes no prep Solo, Pairs Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Contrast Emphasis Visual Hierarchy Design Principles