D Major - Variation 13 — Watercolor on Paper by Arnaud Quercy

About This Artwork

This watercolor explores the visual translation of a D Major chord through chromesthetic mapping, where musical notes correspond to specific colors. The work forms part of the Synesthetic Explorations collection, investigating the intersection between sound and color perception. The composition presents the D Major triad as a spread voicing across multiple octaves, with each note rendered in its chromesthetic equivalent.

Yellow-orange tones dominate the composition, representing the A notes that anchor the harmonic structure. Warm tan and burlywood colors fill substantial areas of the paper, while lighter gainsboro tones provide contrast in the upper register. Green accents appear as darker blue-gray forms, translating the lower register notes. Three precise accent colors punctuate the composition: dusty mauve for F4, darkslategray for the resolved F#3, and cadetblue for Ab4, each representing specific pitches in the harmonic progression.

The watercolor measures 10.0 × 15.0 cm on paper, creating an intimate study format. Certificate of authenticity number 20250125-0049 accompanies the work, with the artist's signature located at bottom right. The piece translates a six-note voicing spanning from F#3 to F#6, demonstrating how musical intervals can be visualized through systematic color relationships. The work was completed in France in 2025 as part of ongoing research into synesthetic art practices.