Paintings with musical theme: Message Tunes and more

'Message Tunes' (Ghana) Playing on his flute, a man appears as if in a dream in a painting by Prince Asher. "Messages and stories played through musical instruments are well understood by those who listen carefully," says the Ghanaian artist as he paints with a combination of oils and acrylics.

'Message Tunes' (Ghana)

'Peace Flute's Song' (Indonesia) Emerald light plays across a musician in a verdant lotus garden by night. By Ida Ratna Ningrum, this lovely painting is filled with emotion. "The bamboo flute is a traditional musical instrument that creates beautiful tones, like the cry of the heart," the Javanese artist muses. "The woman plays a song of peace, the sound of a woman's heart mesmerizing a world with many problems. She is hoping the sound will help this world become one of peace." Titled "Nyanyian Seruling Perdamaian" in Bahasa Indonesia.

'Peace Flute's Song' (Indonesia)

'Lullaby' (Ghana) Faces appear amid myriad images and at the bottom of this painting, musical notes with a decorative purpose. "The tender love of a mother is the cherished gift that can be given to a child. With songs mothers put their babies to sleep. This painting opens up the window to appreciate the world of motherly love," says Ghanaian artist Agyarko Kotoko. Painting with acrylics, Kotoko creates an inspired composition of powerful artistry.

'Lullaby' (Ghana)

'Musical Instruments' (Ghana) Pan-African colors are the perfect accompaniment to a selection of traditional musical instruments chosen by Prince Dewodo. Painting with acrylics, the Ghanaian artist depicts a djembe drum in the center with a xylophone on the upper left, and an axatse on the right. Carved of dried gourd, this rattle from the Volta Region is covered with a net of seeds or beads. A high-pitched calabash drum is depicted on the lower left and the gankogui is on the right. Considered the foundation of traditional Ewe music, this forged iron double bell is played with a wooden stick to emit a low-pitched sound (often referred to as the parent bell), and a high-pitched sound (or child bell) said to rest at the bosom of the protective parent.

'Musical Instruments' (Ghana)

'Musical Frenzy' (2008) (Ghana) Swirling shapes fill the canvas, evoking the sounds of a banjo and flute duet. Working with a palette of vibrant, primary hues, Mark Buku explores sheer sensations. The musicians are intent on their instruments, but the woman who listens lets her feelings flow as freely as the melody.

'Musical Frenzy' (2008) (Ghana)