Painting and music are two different art forms yet are easily paired together. Painting without music is like painting in darkness. Every sound is a movement in the painting, and every tone is a new stroke. The two go hand in hand and inspire colours, techniques and even themes throughout painting.
Different music inspires different styles of painting. Some people enjoy classical, some enjoy show tunes, and some even like the top 40—it all depends on your personal style.
So does painting to music really increase your creativity? In my personal opinion it does and here are some of my favourite songs and bands that pair nicely with certain painting styles:
Portraits and people:
Feel good music is usually a nice pairing to painting people because it helps the artist feel the true beauty in the subject. You really want the song to reflect the person you are painting, because that will usually show through.
- I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
- Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson
- 5 Years Time – Noah and the Whale
- If you Could Only See – Tonic
- Paradise – Coldplay
- Just a Friend – Biz Markie
Landscapes:
For landscapes, I prefer painting to music that makes me appreciate the atmosphere. It is more on the quieter side but these songs allow you to envision the place you are in, whether it is sunny and beautiful or cloudy with rain.
- Beautiful Day- U2
- Here Comes the Sun- The Beatles
- Lego House- Ed Sheeran
- Kids- Lady Danville
- Home- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero
Floral:
For floral paintings, I always found it best to have more upbeat songs. When I paint flowers, they are usually full of colour and bright so I really like my music to be more fun and upbeat. I also associate these songs with pretty flowery colours like lovely hues of red and oranges.
- Santeria- Sublime
- Hurricane Drunk- Florence and the Machine
- Mr. Jones – Counting Crows
- All I Wanna do –Sheryl Crow
Abstract:
Abstract styles vary from subtle colours and small strokes to bright and loud colours and clutter, therefore abstract painting music can be very eclectic as well.
- Queen & David Bowie- Bohemian Rhapsody
- Madness- Muse
- You Make My Dreams Come True- Hall and Oats
If you are looking for some great albums to paint to, here are a few of my favourites:
- “The XX” – The XX
- “Bushfire Fairytales” — Jack Johnson
- “Florence and the Machine” –Florence and the Machine
- “Sublime” – Sublime
- “Think Bigger” Cosmo Jarvis
I personally like listening to different genres of music when painting certain types and themes. I feel like it really sets the mood, not only for my art but for the rest of my day. I love how all music is reflected within the art and corresponds to every colour and brush stroke in my paintings.
