Sound in Color: The Cure – Galore

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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album art, baby, color palette, Friday I'm in Love, Galore, hues, Just Like Heaven, music, saturated hues, The Cure

Who doesn’t know The Cure? I mean, they’re one of the biggest bands in the world and still create amazing music. Galore is an awesome compilation of their singles that were recorded from 1989 to 1997 and a must have for any fan. With songs like Just Like Heaven and Friday I’m in Love, you can’t go wrong.

The album cover is a photo of a baby holding an ice cream cone taken from an interesting perspective, making it seem larger than life. The saturated hues bounce off the page and frame the yellow skin toned child nicely. Lots of energy through color is expressed through this cover. Just like their music. There is nothing like a Cure song to make you smile.

The color palette would work nicely for a children’s party and even for a space in your home. It’s fun and has a unique contrast.

Sound in Color: The Cure - Galore

Inspiration Photo Friday: Autumn Adventures

27 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday, The Great Outdoors

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autumn, avonlea, canada, colors, fall, green, honeymoon, hues, leaves, life, nature, orange, prince edward island, red, seasons, soul, sun, trees, trip, vacation

Autumn in officially here and I am seriously loving it. Finally, the cool weather has arrived and small transformations can been seen in nature. Soon, there will be vibrant hues surrounding us as the trees slowly bare their souls and the hints of spring we cherish from fresh blooms hide away for the colder season. So many changes to experience.

Last year, my husband and I were on our honeymoon in Prince Edward Island and at this time a few days away from packing up and heading home. So many memories I will hold close to my heart. The one thing I felt made a huge difference in our visit was the month we chose to go. Autumn is truly an eye opening season and experiencing this magnificent place in such beautiful and crisp weather was awesome.

When I think of fall, I will always have thoughts of our trip to PIE, along with so many others we have taken during this wonderful time of year. The photo below was taken in Avonlea. A beautiful trail surrounded with various shades of green and hints of red and orange. It was truly lovely. I like to think autumn is a reminder of the adventures and hardships life can bring. Stripping down the layers and shedding pieces of yourself can truly be invigorating. When you dig deep and let go of any negative energy you may be carrying, your true colors will shine. And although the sun isn’t glowing as much as it used to, it’s warmth can be felt from those who truly open up to it.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Autumn Adventures - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Sound in Color: Four tet – Everything Ecstatic

24 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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album art, And Then Patterns, art, balloons, blue, color, color palette, design, Everything Ecstatic, four tet, fun, green, hues, Kieran Hebden, modern, music, palette, party, pastels, pink, purple, Turtle Turtle Up, yellow

Four tet has been a favorite of mine for years. With a mix of hip hop, electronic, jazz, and more, London artist Kieran Hebden brings such a unique style to the industry. Starting out as a member of the band Fridge, he later explored music on his own and released his first single in 1997. While continuing with his solo career he also has worked with talented and well known musicians such as Aphex Twin, Bloc Party, Black Sabbath, and Thom Yorke to name a few.

His fourth album, Everything Ecstatic came out in 2005 and is filled with quirky mixes and smart beats. It has a high energy sound and happy youthful vibe. It makes for good driving music as well as a background tunes for a party. The six song on the album, And Then Patterns, is particularly one I love. It has such a beautiful mix of instruments and just flows so nicely. Another favorite, Turtle Turtle Up, brings you back to the Nintendo days with elegance.

The album art is vibrant and colorful, like the music it presents. Although the line work seems a little out of control and ecstatic, the design makes sense. Due to the hues chosen for the work, it has an adolescent feel but its fresh and unique at the same time. All in all, its fun.

Four tet-Everything Ecstatic

Sound in Color: Mono – Formica Blues

17 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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album art, art, blues, collage, color, color palette, contemporary, electronic, fine art, formica blues, hues, jazz, modern, mono, painting, romantic, Siobhan de Mare, trip hop, UK

UK band Mono creates beautiful music that is an eclectic combination of jazz, blues, and electronic sounds. Their 1997 album, Formica Blues, is a great piece to play when you are relaxing or working as well as entertaining. Their sound is reminiscent of the Sneaker Pimps, Massive Attack, and Portishead with a more classical feel. Siobhan de Mare sang lead on this one, which brings such a romantic and bluesy touch. My favorite song on the album is Playboys, such a great track.

The album art is colorful and modern with a collage style. The lines are unexpected and the mix of paint, imagery, and texture play very well with the sound of the album. And although the hues are rather elementary, they are used in a way that is contemporary and interesting. It’s cool when a bands album cover can also be hung from your wall. This one can for sure.

Mono-Formica Blues