Optical Illusion Canvas: “Stargazing”

Problem: The goal was to create a visual experience that played with perception—an image that appeared to move, daze the viewer, and spark curiosity through optical illusion. The challenge was to execute complex curvature and consistent line spacing on a large-scale canvas.

Process: Designed digitally in Procreate, the concept featured flowing lines that converged around a crescent moon—symbolizing serenity amidst motion. The 24”x36” canvas was masked using 12” masking rolls, requiring meticulous manual alignment and correction. The process demanded dozens of hours of line-by-line touch-up to achieve clean curvature and visual rhythm.

Impact: Viewers described the final piece as “moving” or “shimmering,” validating its hypnotic intent. It has since become one of the most detailed and labor-intensive pieces in my portfolio, standing out as a bold example of analog-meets-digital op art.

Future Improvements: Investing in wider masking materials and working on smoother surfaces, like sanded wood panels, would dramatically enhance precision. These refinements would allow for even more ambitious designs and heightened optical effects in future projects.

Original design made in Procreate (above)

After initial masking layer (above)

Close to complete (above)

Finished product photographed for marketing (above)