Final answer:
The artist draws attention to the palette through brushstrokes and color, with complementary colors creating balance and harmony. Decorated historical palettes indicate ceremonial use beyond functionality, and deliberate color contrasts focus the viewer's attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The artist shows the importance of markers on the palette through various techniques and principles in art. An example can be seen in the application of brushstrokes and color which are used to create shadows and shapes. The use of complementary colors in the painting establishes a sense of balance and harmony, even as certain elements, such as the blue vase, blend into the background. Color-field painting had a significant influence, focusing on color and its interactions as the most important elements of the artwork, thereby often simplifying or eliminating other aspects to draw the viewer's attention specifically to the use of color. Furthermore, the strategic placement of objects and the rich surface textures are deliberate choices to highlight the most important areas and guide the viewer's focus.
In addition, decorated palettes from historical periods have depicted animals, human actions, and served not only as grounds for mixing mediums but also as ceremonial objects. The inclusion of such decorations signifies their role beyond mere functionality, as seen in temple ceremonies for grinding and mixing makeup for deities. Lastly, artists like Cassatt deliberately used color contrasts, such as the dark stripes of a chair against the softer colors, to direct attention towards the central figures of her paintings, proving the palette's role in emphasizing key elements within the artwork.