Big Saxy: A Celebration of Jazz, Blues, and Post-Impressionism

There’s a magic in the air when the soulful sounds of jazz and blues sweep over a room. That magic, an alluring force that both pulls at the heartstrings and compels our bodies to move, inspired the creation of my piece, Big Saxy. This 16” by 20” oil pastel artwork on a canvas panel is a tribute to those seductive genres that have the power to stir emotions and set the mood for timeless moments.

The Essence of the Saxophone

In Big Saxy, the saxophone takes center stage. Painted in a bold, golden yellow, the instrument represents more than just a musical tool—it’s the voice of jazz and blues. The saxophone is known for its warmth and expressiveness, qualities that have long made it a staple in both genres. The golden hue of the instrument radiates a sense of brilliance and energy, drawing the viewer into its orbit, much like the sound of a saxophone captures the attention of a listener.

Music notes, depicted as fluid shapes, drift from the bell of the saxophone, filling the air with invisible melodies. They dance in the surrounding space, hinting at the sultry, improvisational nature of the music being played. The notes are not static; they symbolize the movement and rhythm that is so integral to these genres. The music itself seems to leap off the canvas, engaging the senses in a way that is both visual and auditory.

The Soul of Jazz and Blues

Jazz and blues are genres born from struggle, resilience, and the deep well of human emotion. These musical forms pull at the heart, giving voice to longing, joy, sorrow, and triumph. In creating Big Saxy, I wanted to tap into that emotional depth and translate it into a visual experience.

The post-Impressionist style I employed reflects this intent. Using expressive strokes and a vivid, somewhat abstract representation, I aimed to capture the essence of the music itself—free-flowing, emotional, and transformative. Post-Impressionism, known for its bold use of color and exploration of emotion through technique, allowed me to channel the improvisational nature of jazz and blues into my art. It’s a style that rejects rigid realism in favor of something more intuitive and, ultimately, more human.

A Background That Sets the Scene

The saxophone in Big Saxy would not shine as brightly without its rich, atmospheric background. I chose shades of purple and white to create a sense of depth and contrast. The swaths of purple reflect the melancholy and introspective mood often found in blues music. At the same time, the white strokes provide a sense of openness, representing the improvisation and spontaneity inherent in jazz.

These colors envelop the saxophone, allowing it to truly pop against the background. The interplay between the smooth purple tones and the stark white strokes suggests a movement similar to the undulating melodies of a jazz improvisation. Just as a musician plays off silence to build suspense or emotion, the background in Big Saxy plays off the central figure of the saxophone, helping to elevate the visual harmony of the piece.

The Power of Music in Visual Form

Creating Big Saxy was an exploration of how music—specifically jazz and blues—can be conveyed through color, shape, and texture. There’s a rhythm to the strokes, a melody in the composition, and a heartbeat in the contrast of colors. In a way, this piece is like a live jazz performance on canvas—improvised, full of emotion, and always inviting you to feel something.

For me, jazz and blues are more than just sounds; they are experiences. They move us, they make us reflect, they make us dance. With Big Saxy, I wanted to capture that experience, to make the viewer feel as though they are right there, caught in the moment when the saxophone begins to play, and the music fills the air.

In Big Saxy, the saxophone not only plays a song, but it also tells a story—one of boldness, creativity, and passion. I hope that when you look at this piece, you can hear the music too.