Nice looking bit.

I think everything around us has a focal point of some kind. Some are more obvious than others. I sometimes think if you have a theme to your design it is easier to create a focal point where you can start your design. This focal point can be almost anywhere on bits and spurs from a unique rowel shape to a fancy swivel for a set of reinchains. We have alot more options than a gun engraver are even a buckel maker who has to work with a fixed area that they can't change. Just my thoughts.

Larry

The reason I had to think out the "focal point" idea, is that as soon as I read it, I realized that this was something that was definately missing from a lot of my stuff. (It was like a light had been turned on!) The bit pictured is decent enough looking bit(I'll pat myself on the back!!!!), but lacks that something special to really draw you into it. I've been mulling it over all day, and realized that in my engraving I always try to create some sort of a focal point but have never considered the big picture and tried to use this idea on the whole piece. It's what makes you take the second look at something and be drawn back to it time and again. I've made simpler pieces, that to me had more appeal, and I'm thinking because they had some sort of focal point to draw you to them not just a uniform spattering of silver on them.
As for trying to achieve flow strictly toward or around the mouthpiece on a bit-I think get's to be somewhat of a personal preference and would depend on the cheekpiece but definately lends itself well (considering the purpose!).
I've got lots more thinking to do on this subject, but I think so far has been a very valuable discusion (a least for me!).

Well put Richard! I don't think it is something that just happens but if we keep it in mind when we start I think it allows us to create better layouts!

-justin

Bravo, Execellent thread!
Started off with a very nice looking bit. Richard you obviously have a good eye for design, thanks for sharing.

On focal pints, in Ron Smith's book, a focal point can be defined by anything within the design that causes the eye to stop its travel and linger in one place, wether it is intentional or accidental. He aslo states that we want to be sure that anything that attracts the eye is placed there on purpose. A corner design, a center peice type design or a animal scene fall into this catagory. There is a flip side to focal points, they can also be something within your desisgn that sticks out like a sore thumb that is not in balance with your overall design.

I have added a picture of some spurs I submitted to the Trappins of Texas 08. In my opinion this pictue will demonstrate a focal point that sticks out like a sore thumb. Within the design, I am talking about the single scroll on the front of the heelband that really doesnt flow in the over all design. I think all of us struggle with this issue of filling spaces. The only way I know to correct this is through education. We are very fortunate nowdays to have master ingravers that are willing to share there experience through the web, books and through our friendships.

Anyway , thanks for letting me share,
Jerry

I agree with Jerry. This is a great thread. After reading and rereading these posts, I see I've got to stop and rethink how I have been approaching my layouts.

Justin,
Thanks for bringing this issue up. This kind of thing is what needs to be taking place on the forum.

Jerry,
Thanks for sharing the picture of your spurs with us. Your work never fails to amaze me.

Stewart

I am not very savy in the layout department but I have the following feelings about the focal point on bridle bits. I am refering to old mission type bit patterns because they are the type of bits I like. The Santa Barbara, Santa Suzanna and Los Cruces cheeks, the focal point of these designs I believe is always the Largest part of the bit, most likely no matter what the treatment or layout the eye automaticly goes to the largest part of the bit, ie The cresent bulge of the Santa Barbara, the concho below the mouth on most Santa Suzanna's and the big concho that normally covers the mouth on the Los Cruces. I don't think the mouth piece is the focal point but the treatment of the mouth can certainly add to the look of the bit.

Just a humble opinion from someone who is terrible at laying something out.

_________________
Norm Harris, Jr.
"The outside of a Horse is good for the inside of a Man"

Is it possible to overwelm the focal point?Ithink I have.

Jerry, cool looking spurs. I see what you are talking about but I don't think it is real bad. If that end scroll was a continuation of the main scroll it would flow a little easier up into the end.

Norm I think you are right. Those large areas on a bit really draw your eye to them when you first look at a bit. I think the first thing a person sees is the shape or profile, then the colors [silver, blue, brown, copper etc.] and finally the surface finish [ polished, engraved, carved] so there can be several focal points to think about.

Larry

Chad has a good question. I would guess that if you were to overwelm, what you had been trying to create as a focal point, then that feature no longer becomes a focal point (kind of like the flip side of one, as Jerry brought up) and you have unintentionally created a new one?
I would guess that each piece could also have more than 1 focal point (depending on when the piece is looked at)-If a bit catches your eye across the corral at a branding, it must have some sort of a focal point from that distance, but would it neccessarily be the same focal point that catches your eye if you were standing beside the horse?
Jerry-nice looking spurs. I really like your scrolls-really balanced and flowing. Your leaves are awesome-nicely detailed.
I do agree with you-the small ones just don't flow with the larger ones (prior to this discussion, I probably wouldn't have been able to pick this out).

Larry and Richard,

Thank Ya'll four your compliments on the spurs. Larry I agree with you, a contunuation from the main scroll would be ideal, just haven't been able to make it work in my drawings. I usually put brands in this area for alot of my customers which alleviates the problem.

Justin, thanks for bringing the subject of focal points up. I had just been studing the subject a few day's earlier. I was very suprised to hear someone bringing it up on the forum. I have been good friends with Wilson for a long time and he has consistantly tried to pound these art rules in my head, and has met with much resistance. I dont think very many of our customers will ask us where the focal point is. This is where eye appeal comes into play. On the other hand the more we try to improve our work and begin to study design, these rules start coming into play.

If anything your question did promote thought in futhering our education.

Thanks again,
Jerry

Thanks Jerry, I have been an admirer of bits, spurs and silver work for years. It was just recently that I started to really look at the layout and design of various pieces. As some of you have stated there is no right or wrong way to design. I am a graphics designer/web developer by day and that has helped me a lot with grasping this idea. The main difference now is when I look at a design I see the whole design and how it flows. I look to see if it flows to or from a common point, does the entire design compliment the piece, etc...

I agree if we can learn from this it will make us all better.

-justin

Richard~ I would just like to say, "Beautifully executed". You are an artist in your own right as well.

Best regards,
Greg Pauline