“I have always had an unusual perception of seeing music sounds and my experiences are real and vivid. In 1982 I began proving to myself that what I saw in my mind’s eye while listening to the music that excited me was real. I painted Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. I enjoyed trying to capture the short harsh rhythms and titanic energy in bursts of strong colours and abstract compositions. Then as a true fan of hot jazz I took an enthusiastic approach in painting melodic variations of Oscar Peterson’s Hog Town Blues and Canadiana Suite. "Visual interpretation of music is one of the most difficult and intriguing of design problems. Listening melds into seeing in abstract expressions of colour viewing the composers’ theme sounds.” AIMS. While listening to Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” with her son James, Belle closed her eyes and focused on the music. “I had a flash of inspiration, of vision, which sparked off the beginning of 4 1/2 years dedicated work to illustrate “The Planets.” I could see the tone poems of Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity solemnly and passionately waving of banners, a jubilant and patriotic expression in Red White and Blue. I could see the colours and patterns like two currents flowing together in a united path to represent the sounds of music.” The series of seven large palette knife paintings and numerous sketches was completed in 1990.
1986 Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. 119.4x119.4cm. oil on canvas.
1992 Peter and the Wolf. 162.6x162.6cm. oil on canvas.
1993 Carnival of the Animals 124.5x185.4cm. oil on canvas.
Belle with 3 of her Holst Planet series.
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