It was only recently that I found out the name for this - some people who listen to music visualise the sounds in colour. I have always , especially with classical music, heard the notes weaving patterns of colours. I first remember this when the NZ National Film Unit published a promotional film called "This Is New Zealand" - amazing footage filmed from helicopters flying over the mountains, plains and seas of NZ. There was (as far as I recall) no commentary , just the beautiful harmonies of Sibelius's Karelia Suite playing. I was blown away by the match of the music and the visuals! After that I began to realise that I always have images in my mind when I listen to music. Faure's spine chilling Requiem takes me flying through indigo skies, scattered with stars, above snow covered peaks. Queen's music often makes me think of reds, purples, golds.
Apparently , often the people who have this ability?gift? are "right brained , creative". To me it really is a gift- I am grateful to have this extra richness when I listen to music. And it definitely can influence my painting...If I'm painting mountains I will often find myself listening to a piece like Bach's Fantasia & Fugue In G Minor. I can just feel the peaks beginning to appear from the mist, the ridges coming towards me as each string section begins to weave it's own harmony. Wow.How could I not paint them?!
Apparently , often the people who have this ability?gift? are "right brained , creative". To me it really is a gift- I am grateful to have this extra richness when I listen to music. And it definitely can influence my painting...If I'm painting mountains I will often find myself listening to a piece like Bach's Fantasia & Fugue In G Minor. I can just feel the peaks beginning to appear from the mist, the ridges coming towards me as each string section begins to weave it's own harmony. Wow.How could I not paint them?!
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