Using Visual Art Techniques in Writing

I was talking to a friend the other day about some of the things I want to do, but currently can’t squeeze into my schedule, like sculpting, collage, drawing, and painting. I have previously dabbled in all of these forms of art, but I am not especially skilled in any of them. That takes work, energy, focus and time. Resources that I currently expend on writing, publishing and book coaching.

But it got me thinking about how the elements of visual art equate to creative writing, which led me to realize that writers can enrich their storytelling by applying visual art principles such as contrast, focal point, foreground/background distinction, negative space, and layered composition.

In visual art, elements like contrast, focal point, negative space, and layered description work together to create compelling compositions.

In writing, these equate to how scenes are structured, what is emphasized, what is said or left unsaid, and how we include emotional and thematic layering.

How Visual Art Elements Work in Creative Writing

CONTRAST

Contrast draws the reader’s brain to what matters most—consider mixing tones, characters, or story elements in ways that create contrast and comparison.

• Opposing traits or values in characters highlight key conflicts or growth arcs (e.g., timid vs. reckless, hopeful vs. cynical, greed vs. generosity).

• Light/dark emotional shifts (joy to grief, peace to chaos) heighten drama and deepen resonance.

• Contrast in language (lyrical vs. blunt, long vs. short sentences) can emphasize shifts in tone or mood.

• Contrasting plotlines or settings (e.g., war zone vs. quiet home life) sharpens themes and increases stakes.

Strategic contrast helps the reader feel the change—it gives weight to transformation, danger, or realization. Look for places in your writing where you can use contrast to emphasize what matters to the character, sharpen the emotional stakes, highlight character growth, or signal a turning point in the narrative.

FOREGROUND/BACKGROUND

Foreground and background distinctions clarify what’s urgent vs. background noise. Descriptions and exposition are background for the more immediate action and emotional journey of the characters.

• Foreground = plot-driving actions or immediate emotional beats; background provides context, mood, or texture.

• Keep key character moments in the foreground and description in the background—view setting in the moment through character lens.

• Don’t overload scenes with too many “foreground” elements—a single clear focus allows tension or meaning to build.

• Background details can echo or contrast the foreground, enhancing theme (e.g., a storm in the distance during a calm conversation).

Look for places in your writing to clarify what belongs in the foreground and what serves best as background. Focusing the reader’s attention allows your most important moments to land with clarity and impact.

FOCAL POINTS

Focal points guide emotional or thematic focus. A big picture or high-level view sets the stage, while zooming in makes things more personal.

• Shift from one level to another: Start with the big picture (a city collapsing) and narrow to the small (a child losing her toy).

• Zoom in during moments of emotional change and revelation—this intensifies intimacy and connection with the character. It also slows the pacing to show the reader that what is happening is important.

• Focus on the sensory or symbolic details that tie into the character’s core desire or fear.

• Limit description around the focal point to what supports its impact—too much description detracts from emotional clarity.

• Focal points aren’t just visual—they’re emotional, thematic, and structural cues.

Look for places in your writing where you can shift focus to highlight what matters most emotionally or thematically. Use the big picture to establish context, then zoom in on specific, emotionally charged moments to deepen character connection and slow the pace with intention. Use sensory or symbolic details that reflect your character’s inner world, and trim anything that distracts from the core impact. A well-placed focal point can slow time, deepen connection, and signal that something truly matters.

NEGATIVE OR WHITE SPACE

Negative or white space in prose = silence, pauses, subtext, breathing space—what isn’t said can deepen tension. And making room for the reader allows them to stay on the journey even when dealing with difficult subject matter.

• Short, sparse lines or breaks in dialogue can signal discomfort, reflection, or unspoken emotion.

• Leaving space around trauma or conflict gives readers room to process and prevents overwhelm.

• Silence between characters can speak louder than dialogue—pause beats can carry tension or connection.

• Withholding explanation or detail creates mystery and draws readers to fill in the blanks.

• White space invites the reader to emotionally engage, especially with complex or painful material.

Look for places in your writing where a silence or pause can speak louder than words. Use white space—through sparse lines, withheld details, or breaks in dialogue—to create tension, invite reflection, and give readers room to engage emotionally, especially during intense or difficult moments.

LAYERED DESCRIPTION

Layered description builds atmosphere. Symbolism, sensory elements, and emotional detail create texture, heighten thematic experience, and creates an immersive environment that resonates with readers.

Much like painting in layers—each detail adds depth, tone, and texture, shaping not just what a scene looks like, but how it feels and what it means to the character and the reader.

Layered description goes deeper than surface-level visuals. It weaves together:

• Sensory input (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, proprioception, interoception).

• Emotional undertones and interiority (why events matter to the character, how the POV character reacts internally, how they make them feel).

• Nuanced language that does more than describe and does so through a character’s emotional lens and focused on what details matter to the character in that moment.

• Symbolism and metaphors (objects or visuals that carry thematic weight).

• Environmental cues (weather, lighting, textures). Think “a dark and stormy night,” but not so cliché.

Layered description builds atmosphere by blending sensory detail, emotional depth, and symbolism. Rather than simply describing what’s seen, it evokes emotion and feelings, adding texture and resonance that draw readers deeper into the world and the character’s experience.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Incorporating visual art elements into creative writing—such as contrast, focal point, and negative space—can sharpen focus, deepen emotion, and enhance storytelling. Like a painter composing a canvas, writers can guide the reader’s eye, control pacing, and layer meaning to create vivid, immersive, and emotionally resonant prose.

Thinking about your creative writing in this way can shift your perspective, helping you make more intentional choices to engage readers more deeply and elevate the emotional impact of your work.

* * *

For more information on Book Coaching, check put my FAQ page.

If you’re interested in what I write, check out my Author site.

And if you write or want to write children’s books, give the Coaching KidLit podcast a listen.