The idea behind “What Do You See” is that the things we see and experience, the people we spend time with, and what we choose to see in a given situation form a huge part of what we become. I have a large multicultural family and chose to represent everyone in the painting with the likeness of one of their eyes. The eyes also represent the feeling of being watched or surveilled. For some, constant observation is gratifying; they love to be in the spotlight and proactively seek attention. For others, it is debilitating and interferes with their ability to live a peaceful life. Most of my artwork includes at least one human face or figure; it was unfamiliar to paint a landscape. The solitary tree with the ocean in the background reflects the isolating uniqueness of each human individual.