When you look at this photo of a little girl, your gaze is automatically to her eyes-- that’s the focal point. The dark irises are starkly contrasted to the white of the eyes (sclera).
It’s just a few blurry shadows and barely there at all. In fact, you probably didn’t notice it until I asked about it. That’s the sign of a background done right.
Can you imagine what would happen to the impact of this photo if it had one of those “use all the circles” backgrounds I’ve been seeing lately?
Orignal Pencil Drawing Of Baby Elephants Office Decor Home
Now instead of a realistic portrait, we have some sort of new-age space photo. The circles are incredibly distracting and the eyes no longer have our full attention. Why? Because the background has just as much contrast as the eyes do.
Notice that the level of detail in the background is similar to the level of detail in the subject. The colors are similar across the board, too.
We see similar values in the skin, hair, and face of the subject as we do in the background of the rock, stairs, and leaves. The reason this doesn't work is because our eyes are naturally going to focus where there is more contrast. The brightest, or lightest value, of this picture is the dress. So our eyes are immediately drawn there. It does nothing for the overall balance and composition and the focal point is uncertain.
Digital Art Pencil Drawing Wall Art Realistic Drawing
A simpler background with less contrast would have created more focus on the portrait itself. I've done this in the edit below.
My recommendation?Don’t force the background.If you can include a background that makes sense for your piece--one that is NOT distracting-- then go for it! Otherwise, just leave it out. Let the subject be the focal point no matter what!
"You possess the ability to create exceptional art inside of you already. I'm just here to help you get there faster!" ~John Middick
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