Seeing Sound: The Story Behind My Synaesthetic Art 🎨

When I paint, I’m not just creating with colour – I’m translating sound into something you can see.

As a composer and musician, music has always been part of who I am.  But as someone with synaesthesia, it’s more than notes and rhythms – every sound has a shape, a colour, a texture.  A low cello note might unfurl like deep indigo silk.  A bright trumpet burst might scatter across my mind’s eye in gold sparks.  My paintings are the visual echoes of those moments.

Each piece is born from a piece of music – classical, cinematic, or contemporary – and becomes a kind of portrait of sound. When I listen, I paint what I see.  Sometimes the result is soft and ethereal, other times it’s bold, electric and full of movement.

That’s what you’ll find in my online gallery, Art by Laura J: a collection of works inspired by the hidden colours of music. Every canvas captures an emotional response to sound – a frozen moment of melody and memory.

Bespoke Commissions for Christmas 🎁

This season, I’m opening up a small number of spaces for bespoke commissions – perfect for those looking to give something truly personal.

Whether it’s a painting inspired by a loved one’s favourite song, a piece to capture the feel of a wedding first dance, or a unique artwork that reflects your own story, I can create a synaesthetic painting that’s entirely yours. These pieces make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.

If you’d like to commission a piece ahead of Christmas, now’s the ideal time to get in touch so I can capture your vision and ensure it’s ready in time for the holidays.

The Art of Feeling

At its heart, my work is about connection — between sight and sound, artist and audience, memory and emotion. I hope that when you explore the gallery, you don’t just see colour — you feel it.

Discover the music in colour.  Discover the art in sound.

🖼️ Explore the full collection at artbylauraj.myshopify.com or enquire about a bespoke piece.  DM me on Instagram - @misssynesthesiart - or reach out via www.laurajharris.com.