Painting to Music with Waves of Brighton
Laura Bossom, the founder of Creative Club Brighton had the pleasure of speaking with Waves of Brighton on Radio Reverb, where she chatted with Alessandro and Francesco about the journey behind Creative Club Brighton, our mission to make art more accessible, and how creativity connects our community. It was such a wonderful experience to share the story of how this small idea has grown into a creative network for all ages.
At Puzzle Bored, Laura runs Home Education art groups for young people, and this workshop was inspired by a creative lesson she first introduced to her students in the classroom.
Paint What You Hear
A Kandinsky-Inspired Workshop
One of our favourite workshops we run is inspired by the artist Wassily Kandinsky, who believed that colours and shapes could work like sounds in music. Kandinsky often listened to classical music while painting, letting the rhythm, speed, and mood guide his brushstrokes. He wanted people to feel his paintings in the same way they feel music, through emotion rather than logic.
Kandinsky is also believed to have experienced synaesthesia, a fascinating condition where stimulation of one sense automatically triggers another. In his case, he could see colours when he heard music and hear musical tones when he saw colours. This unique perception led him to treat painting much like composing, each colour or shape acting like a musical note on the canvas.
The Paint to Music Exercise
In our Paint to Music workshop, we explore this same idea, using sound to inspire colour, movement, and emotion in art. Participants listen to a mix of songs, each with its own rhythm and energy, then paint their response to what they hear and feel.
What you will need:
A4 paper sheets (use one per song)
Colour inks / pens / pencils - find your favourite medium and explore different materials!
Speaker - something to play your music through
Song 1 – “Czardas” by Vittorio Monti
Written around 1904, this lively piece is based on a Hungarian folk dance. It begins slowly and builds into a fast, passionate rhythm — perfect for expressive, energetic brushwork!
Youtube Soundclip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHO6KOPWXtc&list=RDZHO6KOPWXtc&start_radio=1
Francesco’s response to Song 1
Laura’s response to Song 1
Song 2 – “Blue Sky and Yellow Sunflower” by Susumu Yokota
This song evokes warmth, optimism, and light — much like the image of a bright sunflower against a deep blue sky. It’s a moment to use calm, harmonious colours and flowing strokes that express joy and balance.
Youtube Soundclip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYH7gknIrj8&list=RDrYH7gknIrj8&start_radio=1
Francesco’s response to Song 2
Laura’s response to Song 2
Want to explore more?
Listen to our Synaesthesia inspired music playlist
Youtube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfMVMhnjArd4OEXWGtbDceIaFLik70PK2&si=g6HdOUSg2gU1gYmi
Want to learn more about our Home Education Art Classes?
We specialise in providing a welcoming, neurodiverse-friendly environment where young people can explore and enjoy art. From special events to regular home education classes, our kids workshops offer step-by-step creative guidance led by a qualified, DBS-checked art teacher. Each session encourages confidence, imagination, experimentation and a love for making art in a supportive space.
