Focal Point

Every picture needs at least one point of attraction, our eyes "enter' the picture. move all over it and finally rest at some part which interests us the most. This point of attraction makes the picture effective. Without such a point, the eye would just roam disinterestedly within the picture. (Or it might even go out.)

Merely pleasant atmosphere, favorite subject of choice, or mood are not enough to make us begin a painting. In addition, there is also some other component that attracts us to the particular view; it might be a dried twisted tree against the setting sun, a rock formation, the light on a window casting a pretty shadow or a temple-spire thrust in the blue skies. Such an aspect makes us want to take up the painting, and that is the point of attraction.

Generally, the darkest or the lightest part in a picture, or the contrast between the dark and light rivets our attention, and forms the point of attraction.