Final answer:
The design principle that describes an area attracting attention in a composition is known as emphasis. It can be achieved through methods like color contrast or strategic placement, creating a focal point that guides the viewer's attention with visual impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The design principle described as "an area that attracts attention in a composition" is known as emphasis. Emphasis can be achieved through various means such as contrast in color, scaling, strategic placement, or by creating a focal point that stands out against the rest of the artwork. This principle is crucial for directing the viewer's attention to the most important parts of the composition, creating a visual hierarchy. Artists can create emphasis by using elements like a striking color combination—a string of gold in a field of dark purple, for instance, where the contrast causes the gold to stand out prominently.
Moreover, the idea of emphasis is not limited to visual elements alone but can also represent the central idea or theme in a piece of art. A well-known example is in Francisco de Goya's painting The Third of May, 1808, where the emphasis is on the figure in the white shirt, highlighted by a lantern and isolated by his stance, drawing the viewer's focus to that character. Overall, a solid understanding of composition and the principles of design, such as emphasis and subordination, allows for the creation of engaging and impactful artwork.