We are always fascinated by color combinations can work together and catch our attention. We both have often remarked that certain colors speak to us. And in our real estate related branding work we research the colors that our clients like that speak to them.
As we delve into working with color combinations, we will ask our clients: "does this speak to you?" It has to resonate, or as defined in the dictionary to relate harmoniously to that client or company.
Recently I read a book about people who actually hear in colors. This is called synesthesia. Not all those individuals are necessarily musicians, some are artists, and some are not.
People with synesthesia related to music may also have perfect pitch because their ability to see/hear colors aids them in identifying notes or keys. The colors triggered by certain sounds, and any other synesthetic visual experiences, are referred to as photisms. (Wiki)
Wassily Kandinski, a Russian artist, was known for his abstract paintings and the use of bright colors as pictured above in this photo of the Church of St Ursula (public domain photo).
Although he was not a musician, he talked about the sound of color.
"The sound of colors is so definite that it would be hard to find anyone who would express bright yellow with base note, or a dark lake with the treble."
"Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul."
And here is my favorite quote,
"Lend your ears to music, open your eyes to painting, and... stop thinking! Just ask yourself whether the work has enabled you to 'walk about' into a hitherto unknown world. If the answer is yes, what more do you want?"
Can you hear the sound of color?