How the artist uses color
Watercolor, oil, acrylic, clay, textiles – all, plus many more, make up the media utilized by visual artists. The artist uses colors and textures as a way to work with light and shadow. Color is personal. There are infinite possibilities. Which color of blue should I use? I can blend in blacks, whites, grays, greens, reds …
How the musician creates “color”
In music, we work with tone, timbre, dynamic level, articulation, and depth of sound. As a violinist, I can choose which string I play on, the speed of the bow, and its weight and placement on the string. If we compare or overlap what tools the visual artist uses with what a musician can work with, the possibilities are exponentially expanded.
Chromesthesia
Do you hear color? Some people do this automatically. Some notable composers with chromesthesia include Liszt, Bernstein and Messiaen. Even if you do not specifically “hear in color,” learning more about color and how artists work with it will accentuate the depth of your music. Check out the Girl with the Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer to see how the artist creates light.
Violinist Linda Beers is the creator of the Inspiration for Violinists, a 50 card deck. Each card has a unique image and text inspiring musicianship, mindfulness and spirituality.