It’s What You See

This expressive mixed-media art journal page is a visual exploration of perception, creativity, and mindfulness. A vibrant blend of colour, pattern, and symbolic imagery, the piece centres on a powerful quote that reflects its deeper message:

“It’s not what you look at that matters, but what you see.”

1. Intricate Zentangle Hand with Eye

The main focal point is a hand-drawn zentangle-style hand, detailed with symmetrical patterns and mandala-inspired linework. Embedded within the palm is a hyper-realistic eye — a striking visual metaphor for introspection, intuition, and vision beyond the surface.

2. Symbolic Quote Tag

The quote is placed deliberately at the core of the hand, surrounded by layered florals and collage ephemera. It anchors the message of the piece — shifting focus from appearance to insight.

3. Botanical & Nature Motifs

Stencilled leaves in teal, yellow, and black fade into the background, suggesting a connection to the natural world and growth. The hovering hummingbird in the top-left adds a feeling of lightness, motion, and delicate energy.

4. Bright & Bold Background

The surrounding background is rich with bold strokes of magenta, orange, yellow, and turquoise, all blending and overlapping in a loose, painterly style. These colours evoke creativity, freedom, and vibrant emotion.

5. Layered Mixed Media Techniques

   •   Acrylic paint blending and scraping

   •   Stencil work using leaf motifs and dots

   •   Ink and collage elements (flowers, tags, tape, quote pieces)

   •   Penwork & Doodling to create dimension and intricacy

   •   Border framing in distressed black for contrast and cohesion