Oh, to be a fly on the wall observing when you are painting! lol It's wonderful you are so inspired by music and that it is a part of your painting process. When I write, it has to be quiet.
Music plays an enormous role in our lives. Sometimes we aren't even aware of its impact until later when a memory suddenly takes us right back in time. During cancer Michael Bublé songs calmed me tremendously. I hadn't thought about that in awhile. There was one song in particular, but the title escapes me at the moment. I am going to have to hunt it down.
Your revision of First Year Ballerina is really coming along. I agree that you did a tremendous job on her eyes. And eyes have to be super hard to capture. Well done! I look forward to seeing the final revision. And Elton John - I would never have guessed he was the musician who has accompanied you on this painting!
Thank you for sharing this part of your painting process, too. Such fun to learn more about your creating process, my friend. "The Sounds at Work" indeed. Oh, and I also loved that piece of Stephanie's.
I can totally see how Michael Bublé songs calmed you during cancer. I so enjoy this artist, and he has such a calming voice and presence.
I'm also glad you are enjoying First-Year Ballerina. Thank you for your kind words about her eyes. More experienced artists than me often say that children are more difficult to capture on canvas than adults. I think I agree, though I haven't done too many portraits.
Yes, Elton John did have a hand in helping me create this painting LOL! There just isn't rhyme or reason which musical artist I choose to listen to when creating art. I think I just play what I'm in the mood for. And you are right: music has a huge impact on us -- good times and bad times.
Thank you for your comment, as well as the kind mention and restack. I so appreciate you, my friend.
Beth, I loved this glimpse into your creative process. It made me think about how the things we listen to while creating become woven into the work itself, almost like invisible layers beneath the paint. Reading your post brought back memories of songs that instantly transport me to particular periods of my own life. It's fascinating how sound can shape not only what we create, but how we remember. And as always, I admire the joy, curiosity, and openness you bring to your artistic journey.
Thank you for your insightful comment. Yes, what we listen to become woven into our work, and I also feel that these sounds make their way into the fabric of our very souls. I feel the same way you do about songs that bring me back to good times and bad times. Songs somehow have a hold on us.
And thank you for your kind words about my artistic experience. I so appreciate this. ❤
What a great post Beth. It's so fascinating to me to examine an artistic process like yours. Music has been a major influence in my life as well and I've found it to be incredibly healing--so it makes sense that as you're painting and performing tender self-care, you're also in vibration with music. I love how eclectic your tastes are--of course I love all of your contemporary pop music choices as well as the classical. I love knowing that your artistic work is saturated with wonderful musical notes as well. I immediately thought of this great quote by Rick Rubin, one of our favorite authors, who says, "As artists, we seek to restore our childlike perception: a more innocent state of wonder and appreciation not tethered to utility or survival."--and I can now see how music almost instantly takes us into that "receiver" space where we can take in the joy, beauty and innocent state of wonder and where that would certainly enhance this artistic process so that you can really CREATE something unique and powerful. Love the ballerina painting my friend--keep creating, keep sharing~ x
Gerry, I think back to our discussions of music and we have very similar tastes in music. Which we enthusiastically discussed the artists who inspire us.
I love Rick Rubin; he is so wise and understands the creative process so well. That quote of his rings so true. Approaching any kind of art with a childish joy and energy serves us well. I love how you put it: how music puts us in the "receiver" space.
I'm so glad you are enjoying the painting that I'm working on. It's been challenging but so fun. And speaking of childlike joy, I experience that each time I work on this particular painting, probably because I'm painting a child who is experiencing the excitement of trying on her recital outfit for the very first time.
Thank you for your thoughtful, inspiring comment, Gerry.💕
Once again, a wonderful post Beth. I love reading about your process and progress. I admire you how share your ongoing work with all of its twists and turns. You’re making great progress on your painting! I agree music is integral to my creative process, too, and I love your choices. I tend to use instrumental pieces for flow in the beginning and lyrics when I’m underglazing.
I admire your work and your mindset: making art for joy and love. May we all have that kind of joy in our lives! (I think we all need it right now)
Thank you so much, Susan! The painting has been a challenge, but a fun one!
It's wonderful that music helps you creatively too. I think it's so fascinating that you use instrumental work at the beginning of your process and lyrics for underglazing. We all have our own way of incorporating music as we work.
I admire your work, too. You clearly enjoy what you are doing, also. And, yes, we absolutely need such joy. With our chaotic world, this joy is so necessary.
Yes, we both are on the same sound wavelength this week, Robin. I just read and heard your latest Substack post, and commented, and I found your interview with Ben delightful.
How wonderful! This is a great post and I so relate. Music is my ultimate joy. I also create my art to music. 60’s and 70’s with some 90’s thrown in. Music literally helped my broken brain retire after my stroke at age 30. I still use it today for healing. Love this! 🩷
Ah now I'm with you on this Beth, I love the thought of you painting to the rhythm of whatever you're listening to. It can be so uplifting and a real salve in those times when we need something extra to get us through - as you did through your cancer treatment.
Music has been so important in my life too, not as a musician just like you as a listener and lover of it. From punk, indie and soul to dance, rock and ballads and everything in between...but it all depends on what mood I'm in as to what I play generally. I have to admit to David Bowie being my hero, so more often than not, one of his many albums will pour out of my headphones when I'm working images or cooking - I highly recommend dancing around the kitchen, it's a great way to loosen up after ages standing chopping veg! Headphones are always a must as Deborah writes and my singing along as well might drive her crazy!😂
Your painting of the your daughter is coming along beautifully and I love your approach - it doesn't have to be perfect...the fact it's your interpretation and that you poured all that love of creating into it is what really matters!
Oh thank you for your wonderful, kind words! Dancing around the kitchen sounds like so much fun, and it adds more happy movements to your day. I love that you enjoy such a variety of musical genres, and that you also combine photographic art and music.
David Bowie was so super talented, and I enjoy his music. I was heartbroken when he passed away, but thankfully, he left a rich legacy of his talent for us to still enjoy.
I so appreciate your generous words about my painting. Yes, art is all about interpretation; I totally agree!
Oh wow, just when zi know I've found a soul sister, I realize why I appreciate you so much. MUSIC! There are two parts to my writing landscape: incense and music. I'm a classical music buff. I love the romantics, Brahams and Mahler. But Gene is so tired of hearng the same songs over and over again that I know I need toi switch it up and download more Rock to my computer: Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Joni mitchell, Judy Collins. And I adore the soundtrack from the movie "Drive," written by some Italian guy. But silence? NO WAY. Bring On The Music! xoxo
Oh, wow, just when I know I've found a soul sister, I realize why I appreciate you so much. MUSIC! My landscape for creating my writing incorporates two things: incense and music. I happen to be a classical music buff. My favoriites are the romantics, Brahms and Mahler. But Gene is getting so sick of hearing the same pieces over and over again that I know I need to switch to some of the Rock I love: Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, and I adore the theme song from the movie "Drive," written by some Italian guy. Gotta download more of that to my computer and switch things up. But silence? NO WAY! Bring on the music! xoxo
Yes, we are soul sisters for sure. Music is so wonderful. I love how you use incense and music when you write. That must make writing so relaxing.
Classical music rocks LOL! I'm no expert on this genre, but I know what I love. The rock artists you love are thousands of degrees of awesomeness! Keep listening.
The only type of silence I enjoy is "The Sounds of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel.
Yes, listening to music soothes my soul. My husband and I like to listen to NPR classical music on our Bose during the day and into the evening. Sometimes we knock it up a notch and play some of our tapes on Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, and various other artists of the 70s and 80s. I like to sing along with them while I'm doing housework.
You are really bringing some great definition to your little ballerina daughter. I love the eyes and the perky pony tail sticking out. Just lovely, Beth.
Classical music is so relaxing and completely beautiful, isn't it? And it looks like you and your husband have the same musical tastes. So many artists are wonderful. It's difficult to name a favorite.
Music makes housework a lot more pleasant, doesn't it? I also put on music for housework. What can I say? I'm a music junkie.
Thank you for your generous words about First-Year Ballerina. It's been a challenge, but the fun never stopped. I really enjoy the eyes and pony tail too. Wish I could've improved the nose and lips, but I still adore the process of creating artwork. So that makes it all worthwhile.
First of all, I love the way First Year Ballerina is turning out. There is something delightfully impish about the new version -- a capture of a little girls excitement.
Thanks for the shout out on the music, Beth. I love music as a background for so many things, and sometimes I miss the days when I had a big ol' clunky stereo set up. Those amps, receivers, turntables and shelves or crates of albums made an altar to the soundtrack of daily life. I'm glad I still have a working i-pod and dock, and I wish i-pod's would make a comeback, but I will always hold dear those days of the "stereo set-up."
Your play list is similar to my own, and I hadn't thought of Boston in a long time, until you named it here.
One of my favorite musical interludes, is listening to Vivaldi on headphones, while sitting on the back porch.
In thinking of my upcoming move, you've inspired me to keep the beat going -- energy music for dancing and unpacking! You are in my heart dear Beth and I cherish that we are kindred spirits connecting in the realm of the arts and humanity.
Hi Stephanie, you're right about that impish quality of First-Year Ballerina. I can't say I deliberately planned it that way. I wish I could've made her lips more prominent, but if I darkened them, she would look a bit like a doll, so I left it. Glad the eyes are done, so she no longer looks like the Bride of Chucky! LOL
Yes, packing up and getting ready for the move with music in the background sounds like it will be a whole lot more of a pleasant experience. Music heals and music helps keep us more relaxed.
Vivaldi and the back porch sound like wonderful companions!
I know what you're talking about regarding amps, turntables, etc. I grew up with a nice stereo system, and I spent hours listening the the music I loved. Those days were glorious. Now I have a really small speaker that activates with Bluetooth. The sound quality is really good, but I miss the stereo system from awhile ago.
I am also grateful that we are kindred spirits, both artists, and both so much alike! ❤
I raise my virtual glass to the notion of music as healer and soother! And yes, I think I will always think fondly of the nice stereo system that was the centerpiece of my young adult life. Good times.
Sending you love and goodwill, my kindred spirit of a friend.
"A splash of music always accompanies splashes of paint."
Wow Beth! What a beautiful testament to the way music becomes both companion and catalyst ... how it steadies your hand and heart, softens your fear and keeps that creative pulse pumping within even during your hard seasons.
The way you describe painting with Pink and Elton John in the background, or how you found courage in listening to "Drive" on repeat during treatment, feels like a reminder that art and music often hold us long before we know how to hold ourselves.
Your revised ballerina is ab-soul-utely luminous, but so is the story behind her ... because the resilience, rhythm and joy of music are threaded through every brushstroke. Yesss! Music really is the universe's superpower, isn't it!
I listened to "Drive" ... I had to ... and oh my, I can imagine how deeply those lyrics and that melody must've spoken to you. The video too, so unmistakably you, full of grit, grace and soul. Thanks so much for sharing all the music, memories and art with us. 💖🎶🎨
Thank you for your wonderful comment! Yes, music is my "companion and catalyst," as you say so beautifully.
I'm so very glad you watched the Drive video. I did see other versions, but I chose this artsy one because it really spoke to me.
I love how you describe that the brush strokes that helped revise the ballerina are intertwined with the music. I completely agree. Deep down inside, I know I can create art without music....but....why bother? The music is another aspect of fun that complements the fun of creating art.
Thank you, as always, for your support and for your wonderful insights! ❤
Hi Beth,
Oh, to be a fly on the wall observing when you are painting! lol It's wonderful you are so inspired by music and that it is a part of your painting process. When I write, it has to be quiet.
Music plays an enormous role in our lives. Sometimes we aren't even aware of its impact until later when a memory suddenly takes us right back in time. During cancer Michael Bublé songs calmed me tremendously. I hadn't thought about that in awhile. There was one song in particular, but the title escapes me at the moment. I am going to have to hunt it down.
Your revision of First Year Ballerina is really coming along. I agree that you did a tremendous job on her eyes. And eyes have to be super hard to capture. Well done! I look forward to seeing the final revision. And Elton John - I would never have guessed he was the musician who has accompanied you on this painting!
Thank you for sharing this part of your painting process, too. Such fun to learn more about your creating process, my friend. "The Sounds at Work" indeed. Oh, and I also loved that piece of Stephanie's.
Hi Nancy,
I can totally see how Michael Bublé songs calmed you during cancer. I so enjoy this artist, and he has such a calming voice and presence.
I'm also glad you are enjoying First-Year Ballerina. Thank you for your kind words about her eyes. More experienced artists than me often say that children are more difficult to capture on canvas than adults. I think I agree, though I haven't done too many portraits.
Yes, Elton John did have a hand in helping me create this painting LOL! There just isn't rhyme or reason which musical artist I choose to listen to when creating art. I think I just play what I'm in the mood for. And you are right: music has a huge impact on us -- good times and bad times.
Thank you for your comment, as well as the kind mention and restack. I so appreciate you, my friend.
Beth, I loved this glimpse into your creative process. It made me think about how the things we listen to while creating become woven into the work itself, almost like invisible layers beneath the paint. Reading your post brought back memories of songs that instantly transport me to particular periods of my own life. It's fascinating how sound can shape not only what we create, but how we remember. And as always, I admire the joy, curiosity, and openness you bring to your artistic journey.
Hi Marie,
Thank you for your insightful comment. Yes, what we listen to become woven into our work, and I also feel that these sounds make their way into the fabric of our very souls. I feel the same way you do about songs that bring me back to good times and bad times. Songs somehow have a hold on us.
And thank you for your kind words about my artistic experience. I so appreciate this. ❤
What a great post Beth. It's so fascinating to me to examine an artistic process like yours. Music has been a major influence in my life as well and I've found it to be incredibly healing--so it makes sense that as you're painting and performing tender self-care, you're also in vibration with music. I love how eclectic your tastes are--of course I love all of your contemporary pop music choices as well as the classical. I love knowing that your artistic work is saturated with wonderful musical notes as well. I immediately thought of this great quote by Rick Rubin, one of our favorite authors, who says, "As artists, we seek to restore our childlike perception: a more innocent state of wonder and appreciation not tethered to utility or survival."--and I can now see how music almost instantly takes us into that "receiver" space where we can take in the joy, beauty and innocent state of wonder and where that would certainly enhance this artistic process so that you can really CREATE something unique and powerful. Love the ballerina painting my friend--keep creating, keep sharing~ x
Gerry, I think back to our discussions of music and we have very similar tastes in music. Which we enthusiastically discussed the artists who inspire us.
I love Rick Rubin; he is so wise and understands the creative process so well. That quote of his rings so true. Approaching any kind of art with a childish joy and energy serves us well. I love how you put it: how music puts us in the "receiver" space.
I'm so glad you are enjoying the painting that I'm working on. It's been challenging but so fun. And speaking of childlike joy, I experience that each time I work on this particular painting, probably because I'm painting a child who is experiencing the excitement of trying on her recital outfit for the very first time.
Thank you for your thoughtful, inspiring comment, Gerry.💕
Once again, a wonderful post Beth. I love reading about your process and progress. I admire you how share your ongoing work with all of its twists and turns. You’re making great progress on your painting! I agree music is integral to my creative process, too, and I love your choices. I tend to use instrumental pieces for flow in the beginning and lyrics when I’m underglazing.
I admire your work and your mindset: making art for joy and love. May we all have that kind of joy in our lives! (I think we all need it right now)
Thank you so much, Susan! The painting has been a challenge, but a fun one!
It's wonderful that music helps you creatively too. I think it's so fascinating that you use instrumental work at the beginning of your process and lyrics for underglazing. We all have our own way of incorporating music as we work.
I admire your work, too. You clearly enjoy what you are doing, also. And, yes, we absolutely need such joy. With our chaotic world, this joy is so necessary.
Wonderful Beth. Looks like this week we’re both focused on music as creative juice, our kids and their own gifts. In case you missed it: https://remembertheworld.substack.com/p/scrambled-eggs-or-tapping-in-to-creative?r=djjtr&utm_medium=ios
Yes, we both are on the same sound wavelength this week, Robin. I just read and heard your latest Substack post, and commented, and I found your interview with Ben delightful.
How wonderful! This is a great post and I so relate. Music is my ultimate joy. I also create my art to music. 60’s and 70’s with some 90’s thrown in. Music literally helped my broken brain retire after my stroke at age 30. I still use it today for healing. Love this! 🩷
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you are into music, too.
I am sorry you had a stroke, and I am glad music has been so therapeutic for you.
I was in my 30s when diagnosed with cancer, so I unfortunately know what having a medical crisis relatively young is like.
The good thing is that music exists, soothes, and heals. Let's keep listening!
We will keep listening and thriving, Beth! 🎼
Ah now I'm with you on this Beth, I love the thought of you painting to the rhythm of whatever you're listening to. It can be so uplifting and a real salve in those times when we need something extra to get us through - as you did through your cancer treatment.
Music has been so important in my life too, not as a musician just like you as a listener and lover of it. From punk, indie and soul to dance, rock and ballads and everything in between...but it all depends on what mood I'm in as to what I play generally. I have to admit to David Bowie being my hero, so more often than not, one of his many albums will pour out of my headphones when I'm working images or cooking - I highly recommend dancing around the kitchen, it's a great way to loosen up after ages standing chopping veg! Headphones are always a must as Deborah writes and my singing along as well might drive her crazy!😂
Your painting of the your daughter is coming along beautifully and I love your approach - it doesn't have to be perfect...the fact it's your interpretation and that you poured all that love of creating into it is what really matters!
Hi Lin,
Oh thank you for your wonderful, kind words! Dancing around the kitchen sounds like so much fun, and it adds more happy movements to your day. I love that you enjoy such a variety of musical genres, and that you also combine photographic art and music.
David Bowie was so super talented, and I enjoy his music. I was heartbroken when he passed away, but thankfully, he left a rich legacy of his talent for us to still enjoy.
I so appreciate your generous words about my painting. Yes, art is all about interpretation; I totally agree!
Oh wow, just when zi know I've found a soul sister, I realize why I appreciate you so much. MUSIC! There are two parts to my writing landscape: incense and music. I'm a classical music buff. I love the romantics, Brahams and Mahler. But Gene is so tired of hearng the same songs over and over again that I know I need toi switch it up and download more Rock to my computer: Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Joni mitchell, Judy Collins. And I adore the soundtrack from the movie "Drive," written by some Italian guy. But silence? NO WAY. Bring On The Music! xoxo
Oh, wow, just when I know I've found a soul sister, I realize why I appreciate you so much. MUSIC! My landscape for creating my writing incorporates two things: incense and music. I happen to be a classical music buff. My favoriites are the romantics, Brahms and Mahler. But Gene is getting so sick of hearing the same pieces over and over again that I know I need to switch to some of the Rock I love: Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, and I adore the theme song from the movie "Drive," written by some Italian guy. Gotta download more of that to my computer and switch things up. But silence? NO WAY! Bring on the music! xoxo
Hi Marilea,
Yes, we are soul sisters for sure. Music is so wonderful. I love how you use incense and music when you write. That must make writing so relaxing.
Classical music rocks LOL! I'm no expert on this genre, but I know what I love. The rock artists you love are thousands of degrees of awesomeness! Keep listening.
The only type of silence I enjoy is "The Sounds of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel.
Yes, listening to music soothes my soul. My husband and I like to listen to NPR classical music on our Bose during the day and into the evening. Sometimes we knock it up a notch and play some of our tapes on Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, and various other artists of the 70s and 80s. I like to sing along with them while I'm doing housework.
You are really bringing some great definition to your little ballerina daughter. I love the eyes and the perky pony tail sticking out. Just lovely, Beth.
Hi Nancy,
Classical music is so relaxing and completely beautiful, isn't it? And it looks like you and your husband have the same musical tastes. So many artists are wonderful. It's difficult to name a favorite.
Music makes housework a lot more pleasant, doesn't it? I also put on music for housework. What can I say? I'm a music junkie.
Thank you for your generous words about First-Year Ballerina. It's been a challenge, but the fun never stopped. I really enjoy the eyes and pony tail too. Wish I could've improved the nose and lips, but I still adore the process of creating artwork. So that makes it all worthwhile.
First of all, I love the way First Year Ballerina is turning out. There is something delightfully impish about the new version -- a capture of a little girls excitement.
Thanks for the shout out on the music, Beth. I love music as a background for so many things, and sometimes I miss the days when I had a big ol' clunky stereo set up. Those amps, receivers, turntables and shelves or crates of albums made an altar to the soundtrack of daily life. I'm glad I still have a working i-pod and dock, and I wish i-pod's would make a comeback, but I will always hold dear those days of the "stereo set-up."
Your play list is similar to my own, and I hadn't thought of Boston in a long time, until you named it here.
One of my favorite musical interludes, is listening to Vivaldi on headphones, while sitting on the back porch.
In thinking of my upcoming move, you've inspired me to keep the beat going -- energy music for dancing and unpacking! You are in my heart dear Beth and I cherish that we are kindred spirits connecting in the realm of the arts and humanity.
Hi Stephanie, you're right about that impish quality of First-Year Ballerina. I can't say I deliberately planned it that way. I wish I could've made her lips more prominent, but if I darkened them, she would look a bit like a doll, so I left it. Glad the eyes are done, so she no longer looks like the Bride of Chucky! LOL
Yes, packing up and getting ready for the move with music in the background sounds like it will be a whole lot more of a pleasant experience. Music heals and music helps keep us more relaxed.
Vivaldi and the back porch sound like wonderful companions!
I know what you're talking about regarding amps, turntables, etc. I grew up with a nice stereo system, and I spent hours listening the the music I loved. Those days were glorious. Now I have a really small speaker that activates with Bluetooth. The sound quality is really good, but I miss the stereo system from awhile ago.
I am also grateful that we are kindred spirits, both artists, and both so much alike! ❤
I raise my virtual glass to the notion of music as healer and soother! And yes, I think I will always think fondly of the nice stereo system that was the centerpiece of my young adult life. Good times.
Sending you love and goodwill, my kindred spirit of a friend.
"A splash of music always accompanies splashes of paint."
Wow Beth! What a beautiful testament to the way music becomes both companion and catalyst ... how it steadies your hand and heart, softens your fear and keeps that creative pulse pumping within even during your hard seasons.
The way you describe painting with Pink and Elton John in the background, or how you found courage in listening to "Drive" on repeat during treatment, feels like a reminder that art and music often hold us long before we know how to hold ourselves.
Your revised ballerina is ab-soul-utely luminous, but so is the story behind her ... because the resilience, rhythm and joy of music are threaded through every brushstroke. Yesss! Music really is the universe's superpower, isn't it!
I listened to "Drive" ... I had to ... and oh my, I can imagine how deeply those lyrics and that melody must've spoken to you. The video too, so unmistakably you, full of grit, grace and soul. Thanks so much for sharing all the music, memories and art with us. 💖🎶🎨
Hi Deborah,
Thank you for your wonderful comment! Yes, music is my "companion and catalyst," as you say so beautifully.
I'm so very glad you watched the Drive video. I did see other versions, but I chose this artsy one because it really spoke to me.
I love how you describe that the brush strokes that helped revise the ballerina are intertwined with the music. I completely agree. Deep down inside, I know I can create art without music....but....why bother? The music is another aspect of fun that complements the fun of creating art.
Thank you, as always, for your support and for your wonderful insights! ❤