Emphasis on the Focal Point

Emphasizing the focal point is all about contrast.  While most of the perimeter of the painting is cool, soft and light valued, the area around the diners and the umbrellas is warm, hard-edged and darker in value. The bright, pure colors of the umbrellas, the sign and the flag stand out against the minimal details and subdued colors in the background. 

Notice, too, that the waiter, the flag, and the sign are all on the thirds, both vertically and horizontally.

I later had a sandwich under the middle umprella, and am happy to report that the re-opening of The Center Cafe is a success!