Placement~

Madame Monet and Her Son, by Claude Monet
The focal point of this piece is an example of emphasis by placement. Madame Monet is centered in the image, and she is in the foreground. Her son, in the background looks toward her, leading our eyes back to her. This painting has equal balance on both sides of the focal point, giving further emphasis to Madame Monet as the centerpiece. The umbrella works as a flag almost, to create even more emphasis on Madame Monet.

American Gothic, Grant Wood.
The focal point of American Gothic illustrates another example of emphasis by placement. The focal point is placed in the center of the image, and both sides of the focal point are equally balanced. The house and window in the background help to keep our eyes on the center of the image as well.