16 - Value as Emphasis

A way to bring emphasis to a design is through the Value of the composition. A good use of dark-and-light contrast is to create a focal point or center of attention in a work of art. This gives the work a starting point for the viewer to focus on. A dramatically important character or feature can be highlighted literally through the use of contrast.

This etching I picked out of an old RPG book shows a group of people trying to kill a vampire by using sunlight. Value is used to emphasize the vampire as he gazes into the sun and gives the viewer a starting point as well as the theme of the piece all in one stroke.