Since I only paint people, there never seems much leeway to consider a focal point...unless for some reason I choose to emphasize and eye or hand...come to think of it that might not be a bad idea. Charles Reid is my idol and he never deals with composition or focal point...he just paints what he sees at that moment. I think if the subject is painted well with good contrast and interesting edges, then it will work. I don't want to spend months agonizing over where to put something....as Mel Stabin says, "screw it, just do it!"