(I) It is the artist's skill rather than the subject that causes us to gaze at a painting admiringly, (II) To begin with, our vision is -restricted or directed by the outer limits of the painting, a frame in most instances. (III) We may perceive the painting as a "whole", but most often our eyes are directed by (he painter to a focal point. (IV) The focus of the picture alone would not hold our attention, however. (V) We are led to it by the painter because of its significance through its relation to other objects in the painting.