Artists are constantly looking for subject matter.  How many times have we seen the same thing painted, over and over again?!  A music series sounded light and refreshing, yet out of my comfort zone.  I enjoy music, and I have great appreciation for musicians because I have never played an instrument.  I envy musicians, and I envied my kids for their ability to pick up guitar, piano and violin, seemingly with ease.   I painted Jam for my son.  His accoustic and electric guitars are interwined, overlapping and tied together with his favorite color combination:  black and RED.  His guitar instructor taught him mainly Beatles music. I love the movement and energy in this piece. To me, it screams, “Rock N Roll!”

I treated the piano differently, however.  I wanted to celebrate the stark contrast of the black and white keys, and reflect the purity of it’s sound with movement.  When you look inside the piano, there is so much more than meets the eye.  Look closely, and you will discover my play with paper.  Do you get it?

My goal for these two paintings was to portray the feeling that each may incite.  On the left, you will find Hot Strings painted in warm colors, respecting the high sounds and warm energy of the violin.  On the right, Cool Blues is treated in cool colors, honoring the soothing jazz that the sax produces.  Instruments are made with such intricate care and attention to detail.  This is to be assumed, but since I studied the violin and saxophone for the collage pieces above,  I have so much more appreciation for the craftsmanship necessary for their creation and eventual performance!

Note:  With the exception of Jam, all paintings in this post are available at Brath and Hughes Fine Art Gallery, Mechanicsburg PA.