When we stand before a painting that speaks to us, there’s a deep and mysterious reaction at play. The colors, textures, and forms pull us in, and often, we can’t look away. Why is it that some paintings resonate so profoundly, stirring up emotions that feel like love? Through science, spirituality, and artistic insights, we can start to understand what causes this powerful response.
What joy painting brings. Love is a Flower was sold to special collectors—one of whom is a florist. A year or so later Morag bought a lovely friend visiting from the UK for an art workshop. She saw another of my paintings inspired by the joy of flowers, “I Brought You Flowers” which I posted to England and now adorns their walls.
I was once told by a psychic that paintings were how spirit talks to me. It’s my belief, and that of the eloquent thinker Dr Jordon B Peterson, that art is how Spirit speaks to all of us, enabling us to transcend.
In this video, Mandy shares how I Bought You Flowers spoke to her and the amazing new directions its encouraging her to go.
Research suggests that the brain processes art in ways similar to other pleasurable experiences. When we view a painting we love, several areas of the brain light up, especially the orbitofrontal cortex, which is linked to pleasure and reward.
Neuroscientists have found that viewing art triggers dopamine release, creating feelings of happiness and satisfaction, not unlike falling in love. This dopamine surge reinforces a sense of connection and appreciation, giving a biochemical reason for why some pieces hold our attention while others don’t.
HeartMath, an approach to emotional well-being based on the study of heart-brain interactions, sheds light on how art can evoke such a powerful response. According to HeartMath researchers, when we encounter something that deeply moves us, our heart rhythms synchronize with our emotional state, promoting coherence—a state of inner harmony. This means that if a painting evokes peace, joy, or awe, our bodies can mirror these emotions physically. This “heart coherence” contributes to why a painting might feel emotionally significant, almost as if it’s speaking directly to our soul.
You may enjoy this blog where I share how I fell in love with Vincent Van Gogh’s Roses in New York>>
Judy Testimonial for her painting “A rose in Bloom“
Art is often described as a bridge to something greater. In many spiritual traditions, paintings are thought to open windows to other realms, enabling us to access parts of ourselves beyond the mundane. Ancient wisdom and modern spiritual consciousness perspectives alike suggest that we feel drawn to art because it can connect us with our higher self, a transcendent part of us that seeks beauty, truth, and unity. When we fall in love with a painting, it might be because it aligns with our spirit’s deepest desires, offering a glimpse of the divine or a reminder of our inner truth.
Each viewer’s personal history, experiences, and desires play a role in what they’re drawn to. A painting of a serene landscape might resonate deeply with someone who longs for peace, while a bold abstract piece may attract those seeking freedom and self-expression. This personal resonance taps into our subconscious mind, creating a unique bond between viewer and artwork. In some sense, each of us has our own “soul connection” with certain works, leading to a lasting attachment that feels like love.
Love in The Answer, Cassandra Gaisford, 2024
I love, love, love the name Bree created for the painting she fell in love with when she came to the studio with her mum.
Every painting emits energy through its colors, shapes, and brushstrokes, creating unique wavelengths that our bodies respond to. Each color carries a specific frequency, and when we encounter a painting with colors or patterns that resonate with our own energy field, we feel a subtle but powerful connection.
This phenomenon, often referred to as “visual resonance,” allows art to impact our mood and energy on a vibrational level. Some colors are calming, others energizing, and certain compositions can even evoke emotions like peace or excitement. This energetic exchange between the viewer and artwork explains why we feel drawn to certain paintings as if they “speak” to us, creating a harmonious resonance that feels akin to love. When a piece of art aligns with our personal vibration, it amplifies this resonance, forming an invisible yet profound bond that’s both personal and transformative.
This explains, in part, why sometimes it’s fun and essential to change our art around, buy new pieces and store others we are no longer in love with—just like we do with our clothes.
The Mona Lisa has captivated audiences for centuries, sparking a mix of fascination, admiration, and sometimes ambivalence. Some people are drawn to her enigmatic smile, the delicate interplay of shadow and light, and the mysterious aura that surrounds her.
Her expression, often described as subtly shifting, creates an illusion of depth and complexity that resonates with viewers on a personal level—almost as if she has secrets only they can perceive. This sense of mystery, combined with Leonardo da Vinci’s mastery of sfumato (the technique of blending tones), gives her a life-like quality that some find irresistible.
Yet others feel indifferent, perceiving her allure as overhyped or failing to connect with her ambiguous demeanor. The Mona Lisa’s appeal may depend on each viewer’s receptivity to subtle emotions and symbolic resonance, illustrating how personal experience and energy influence our relationships with art. For those who do “fall in love” with her, it’s often this blend of intrigue and timeless beauty that creates a powerful, almost hypnotic connection.
I’m thrilled this painting, a tribute to Princess Diana, “Queen of Hearts” has gone home with her new owner. This painting holds a very special place in my heart, as does Diana.
“Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life—a kind of destiny.” ~ The people’s queen, Diana
Mixed media, oil, acrylic and graphite on canvas.
455 mm x 610 mm
20 x 24 inch 1.6 deep on canvas.
The palette was inspired by my love of flowers, childlike joy and feelings of “joy”, “happiness”, and “fun”—feelings Diana both created and chased.
The beautiful simplicity of Van Gogh, Monet and Cy Twombly’s floral paintings also inspired this artwork. Created during the full “pink” moon energy of Libra during Easter 2023 as I returned to my love of painting with oils and named on the Eve of what should have been Diana’s coronation, under the energy of full Flower Moon, in Scorpio.
Queen of Hearts offers timely elegance and a beautiful way to brighten up your home. I hope she brings my new collector many happy memories
As a side note for those interested in my artist’s process, my partner, a big fan of my work, told me off for altering the earlier version of the work. Like many artists I paint over my creations sometimes in the search for more beauty and more joy. I’ve learned, while have a well-meaning critic to bounce idea off, it is essential to follow my heart. As Princess Diana once said, “I’d like to be a queen in people’s hearts but I don’t see myself being queen of this country. Life is just a journey. Only do what your heart tells you.”
This painting is sold but her sister piece, is available and on sale~ be quick…there’s only one! You can purchase online:
Sometimes a painting stops you in your tracks, and you just have to buy it, and other times you want more control of the process, particularly if you’re renovating or building a new home and you want something bespoke designed just for you.
Discover how easy and fun it is to commission a painting (or three) you’ll love from me>>
When we fall in love with a painting, it’s more than simple admiration; it’s a complex reaction woven from brain chemistry, emotional resonance, and spiritual connection. We know there is nothing more powerful in the world than love, so surrounding yourself with as many people, things, and memories that you love is a wonderful soul, enriching way to live.
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ABOUT CASSANDRA
I am an artist, storyteller, intuitive guide, mentor and Reiki master. All my creations are infused with positive energy , inspiration, and light. I believe in magic and the power of beauty, joy, love, purpose, and creativity to transform your life. My greatest joy is helping your realize your dreams. That makes my soul sing!
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