When we were little, my sister Nita and I took piano lessons together. I labored and plunked until I became passably good at playing a few pieces. I usually managed to get through the annual recital smoothly, without embarrassing myself. (Family and friends’ parents were always gracious anyway.)

My sister, though, didn’t just play the piano — she became one with the music and simply played what she felt. What she heard in her head came through her fingers as a gift to the rest of us. Even as a child, whenever she played, I sat to listen. Her music was magical, not just perfectly played, but with its own life.

Today she paints, using Painter X and its wet pixel pigments. She looks at photos of people and pets, and sees behind the eyes. And she connects with who she feels they are. I’ve told her she paints as she plays the piano, giving life — that something more — to each painting, and her response was this:

When I’m painting faces — either on people or animals — I do have a similar feeling as when I’m playing the piano. Becoming a part of the subject or piece completely takes control once I start….almost without trying. Hard to explain…

You can see some of her work in her Painter Magazine gallery. (Don’t miss the second page.)

I no longer play the piano much. Nor do I know how to play any other instrument. My music is in words and paintings. And is played with pen and ink and brush and pigments.

Here is a doodle I made in honor of my sister’s talents. (There is abstract music (score) in the background. You can see it larger if you click on doodle link.)

We all have music inside us… what is yours and how do you play it? Please feel free to share your site as a link.

It’s a warm summer afternoon — iced coffee anyone?

Barb

Tags: doodle, music, Painter Magazine, Painter X, people, pets, photos, piano lessons, pigments