Where Music Becomes Colour
- Apr 15
- 6 min read
A poetic conversation with Margareta Uliarte —
on art, emotion and the search for harmony
Some artists paint what they see.
Others paint what they feel.
Margareta Uliarte creates something more elusive —
a space where music becomes colour,
and emotion becomes atmosphere.
In her work, art is not separate.
It listens. It moves. It connects.
Thank you for being here,
and for sharing your voice with this space.
The Beginning
When did your relationship with painting
truly begin?
My first painting was created in 2007,
after a walk through the surroundings of Salzburg, where I live.
There are beautiful gardens in this area, and in my neighbourhood,
scenes from "The Sound of Music" were filmed.
During that walk, I saw a large hibiscus in intense orange tones,
surrounded by daisies —
and that was the moment inspiration entered my life.
It became my first painting, titled "Hibiskus und Margariten" ("Hibiscus and Daisies").
The original painting is still in my atelier in Salzburg.
My soul lives within this painting. It reflects the way
I wish to see our planet — full of joy, harmony, and peace.
My artworks are meant to stand for this purpose.
A Force Beyond the Visible
Was there a moment when creating art
became more than expression —
when it became part of who you are?
Yes, of course.
When I begin to paint, I feel guided by a force
I had never experienced before.
There is a strong creative energy within my mind and spirit.
Images form.
Colours appear.
Ideas unfold — almost instantly.
After finishing a painting, I need time to rest,
because this energy feels like something beyond me —
a deeply spiritual impulse.
Where Emotion Becomes Colour
When you begin a new work, what arrives first?
The emotion comes first.
Then the colour.
And sometimes, a person.
For example, I created a painting for my youngest brother.
I imagined us as children, singing together —
my intuition gave me the colours which reflect his character:
I saw flowers, full of red and a turquoise background.
When I painted for my eldest brother,
I created something entirely different —
abstract blue and red lines, with many colourful points.
When I imagine artworks for special people,
I choose the title “intuitive art”.
Music as a Guide
Classical music seems deeply connected to your work.
How does it shape what appears on the canvas?
There is one piece of music that feels like a highway for emotions —
"Arabian Dance" from The Nutcracker Suite.
These notes guided me through a deeply spiritual painting
of a face — a figure that seemed to come from beyond our solar system.
The background is deep blue, and the figure has mysterious green eyes.
Music is the most powerful guide for creative action.
I have also painted while listening to Bach,
Mozart, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff.
I especially love romantic music.
If Mozart could stand in front of one of your paintings today —
which one would he be drawn to, and why?
I have read some books about Mozart's letters.
He was full of humour, often writing playful and warm messages.
His mind was like a volcano of inspiration.
I would dedicate my painting "The Firework" to him —
as a symbol of the immense artistic legacy he left to humanity.
Language Beyond Words
Art often speaks without language.
What can colour express that words cannot ?
Everything in our universe is vibration.
Colours enter through the eyes,
are received by the mind, and become emotion —
happiness, sadness, energy.
I am sure that black and white paintings
have another impact on the viewers compared to
a painting made with many positive colours.
I love to use many optimistic colours,
like orange, red, yellow, blue.
Intuition and Intention
How much of your work is guided
by intuition — and how much by intention ?
My work always begins with intuition — then intention follows.
I often feel the need to paint on quiet days, such as weekends.
There is a strong wave of energy that rises within me,
and I allow it to flow into the painting —
through colour, form, and movement, often guided by music.
The Moment of Knowing
Is there a moment when you realise
a painting has found itself ?
Yes, this happens very often in the first hour.
But sometimes I work on paintings for weeks, and
the image may change in the last hours before I finish a painting.
When Art Begins to Look Back
Some artists describe the moment when a painting
begins to “look back” at them — as if it becomes alive.
Have you ever experienced that?
Yes.
While painting a face, guided by fantastic music.
When I finished the eyes, the figure was looking at me
as if it were my spiritual guide.
When I later shared the work, a very good friend wrote:
“This is a high spiritual being.”
A Message to the World
If someone, somewhere in the world,
were to encounter your art in a moment when they truly needed it—
what would you hope it gently reminds them of ?
I would draw their attention to a work of mine
that depicts a figure meditating among colorful flowers
in a garden. This painting radiates a deep sense of peace and tranquillity.
It is called "Die Fee im Zaubergarten" ("The Fairy in the Magic Garden").
Art Beyond Borders
If the great artists of the past could speak into our present —
what truth do you think they would remind us of?
And whose life in art has become a quiet compass for your own?
In Tierra del Fuego, you can feel the primal energy of indigenous cultures.
The nature in Patagonia holds a wild and powerful beauty.
The people there in South America have deeply inspired me.
Together with my husband, I directed the southernmost festival
in the world for ten years.
I believe most people on our planet long for peace —
and my artworks are meant to reflect that.
If Your Art Could Whisper One Sentence
to the World, What Would it say ?
Peace is not only a word.
Peace is inside you — each day, in every breath you take.
Move forward, give love and peace to humanity.
Poetic Shorts
I am a...
firebird, flying around, my thoughts
are always in motion.
My strength is...
endurance and compassion with human beings.
My sweet treat after a long day is...
a glass of gin and tonic, and a talk with my husband.
Painting is...
a high spiritual gift for me.
Colour for me is...
the entrance to eternity.
My creative state feels like...
a volcano, full of energy.
Music is...
the sense of my life.
A colour that represents peace …
blue and white of course.
Morning light — or night inspiration?
Morning light.
One word that describes your art…
It is vibration within the universe.
A place that inspires you creatively…
Salzburg and the South of France
(my dream is to live for 1 month in Nice).
About the Artist
Margareta Uliarte
Painter & Digital Art Designer
Based in Salzburg, Austria
Her work explores themes of peace,
protection of our planet, harmony, love, positive energy,
and the emotional language of colour.
She is currently preparing exhibitions
in Austria and China — including Chongqing,
one of the largest cities in the world.
4 of her stunning artworks will be presented
at the opening ceremony.
What Moves Her Art Most
Through my art, I want to show that
harmony can be created through colour.
I also believe that everyone has a great talent for painting.
You just have to start, even if it's only in small steps.
Painting helps the soul find its way to harmony.
What she is currently creating
I am currently working on three paintings
for an upcoming exhibition in Austria.
These pieces feel especially alive —
built with layers of colour, fragments of confetti,
and shimmering stones that catch the light in different ways.
They revolve around a large blossom, full of movement and colour.
One of the works shows a woman in a golden dress —
it is the piece I am still working on.
Find & Follow
A Closing Note
Some artists create images.
Others create moments.
Margareta Uliarte creates spaces of feeling —
where colour, music, and emotion become one.