Principles of Design Emphasis Art Lessons Emphasis Art Projects Worksheets

Ready to help your students master the Principle of Design: Emphasis with exciting, hands-on lessons? This Emphasis Art Unit will guide your students through how artists create focal points using contrast, positioning, color, and value. Whether you're teaching visual art in Grades 3–8, running a homeschool art program, or prepping emergency sub plans, this unit has everything you need to teach emphasis with confidence and creativity!

This 110+ page resource includes video instruction, guided slides, printable handouts, rubrics, and step-by-step art projects that explore emphasis through stylized and realistic themes. Students will create chick, bird, and strawberry artworks while developing their understanding of value, focal area, and visual storytelling. Easy to implement and loaded with artistic impact, this unit will become your go-to for teaching emphasis in art!

This Resource Includes (Non-Editable, American English):

Lesson 1: What Is Emphasis in Art?

• Video Presentation: Introduction to Emphasis and Focal Points
  
• PDF Slide Deck for teacher-led delivery
  
• Informational Handouts with Definitions, Visual Examples, and Guided Notes
  

Lesson 2: Mini Art Challenge – Warm-Up Activity

• Two Templates to Practice Visual Emphasis
  
• Step-by-Step Instructional Handout
  
• Full Lesson Plan
  

Lesson 3: Art History – Emphasis in Famous Artworks

• Study of Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s Use of Emphasis
  
• Student Handout and Reflection Pages
  
• Art History Lesson Plan
  

Full-Length Art Project Tutorials Included:

Art Project #1: Emphasis Chick Artwork

• Focus on focal points and layout
  
• Students use placement and contrast to make a chick stand out in composition
  

Art Project #2: Emphasis Birds Artwork

• Students explore color and value to draw the eye to specific areas
  
• Dynamic composition with expressive color choices
  

Art Project #3: Realistic Strawberry Artwork

• Focus on contrast and shading
  
• Students create high-value, realistic drawings that emphasize one detailed subject
  

Each Art Project Tutorial Includes:

• Detailed Lesson Plan (objectives, steps, supply list)
  
• Step-by-Step Drawing Instructions and Visual Slides
  
• Student Handouts & Drawing Guides
  
• Rubric for Assessment
  
• Self-Reflection Sheet & Artist Statement Template
  
• Bulletin Board Display Sign

How to Use This Art Unit:

• Teach as a sequential unit or use each lesson individually
  
• Great for:
  
  • Art classrooms (in-person or hybrid)
    
  • Homeschool visual art education
    
  • Sub plans or art on a cart
    
  • Units on the Elements and Principles of Art
    

• Minimal prep required—just print and go or display digitally!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can use this resource?
A: This unit is ideal for elementary and middle school teachers, homeschooling families, art specialists, and substitute teachers looking for an easy-to-use, meaningful art unit focused on the principle of emphasis.

Q: How do I implement this in my setting?
A: Simply begin with the slide or video lesson, then follow the warm-up and art project instructions using the handouts and visual guides. Whether you’re in a classroom or kitchen, everything is ready for you!

Q: How long does this unit take to complete?
A: Each full art project takes about 2–3 class sessions. The introduction and art history lessons are designed to be completed in one class period each, giving you a flexible pacing option for any setting.

Want to try my lessons first? My Free Art Lesson Library is a great place to start.