Audio Descriptions for Accessibility

Painting With Sound

Sound is the primary way many people with little or no sight experience the world. I am often asked how someone who is blind can watch a movie, and the answer is usually simpler than expected. Many films include an audio described soundtrack that narrates key visual information, describing actions, expressions, and visual details clearly and concisely. This same approach can be applied to visual art.

When used with photography, painting, or other visual media, audio descriptions provide a verbal narrative of what is present in the work. They describe composition, subject matter, spatial relationships, and visual qualities in a way that allows the listener to build their own mental image. A strong audio description does not tell someone what to think about a piece, it gives them the information needed to engage with it on their own terms.

For artists, creating audio descriptions offers an unexpected benefit. Describing a finished work out loud often reveals aspects of the piece that were previously taken for granted. Many artists come away from the process with a deeper understanding of their own decisions around composition, emphasis, and intent.

Experiencing Art Through Description

Imagine standing in front of a large painting without being able to see it. An audio description can communicate the scale of the work, the placement of figures, the movement within the scene, and the emotional tone conveyed through color and gesture. Rather than replacing interpretation, audio description enables it. The listener is free to form their own emotional and intellectual connection to the work.

Well-written audio descriptions respect the intelligence of the audience. They provide visual information clearly and neutrally, allowing meaning to emerge naturally. This approach mirrors how sighted viewers engage with art, by observing first and interpreting second.

Where to Start

In my experience, the best person to describe a work of art is often the artist who created it. Artists understand the nuances of their work in a way that is difficult to replicate. They know what details matter, where attention should be drawn, and how the elements of the piece relate to one another.

I encourage artists to write the audio description themselves and, when possible, to record it in their own voice. Hearing the artist describe their work adds context and authenticity that audiences consistently respond to. This does not require a studio or professional equipment. A smartphone voice recorder is more than sufficient. An audio description with minor background noise is far better than no description at all.

For those who want higher production quality, affordable podcasting microphones and basic editing software can produce excellent results. Files can be hosted on a personal website, cloud storage service, or embedded directly into an online gallery or exhibition page.

Writing and Recording Tips

Effective audio descriptions are clear, concise, and paced for listening. Descriptions should move from general to specific, beginning with an overview of the work before focusing on details. Avoid interpreting emotions or symbolism unless it is essential to understanding the piece. Let the listener draw their own conclusions.

Clarity matters more than polish. A natural speaking voice, delivered at a steady pace, is preferable to overly formal narration. Passion and sincerity carry far more weight than sounding professional or rehearsed.

Whenever possible, audio descriptions should be reviewed or tested by blind or low vision listeners. Even brief feedback can help refine phrasing, pacing, and clarity. We are always happy to help with this, if you would like more information, feel free to drop us a line on our contact page. 

Expanding Access Through Sound

Audio description is not a secondary feature or a technical add-on. It is a meaningful way to invite more people into an experience with art. For blind and low vision audiences, it provides direct access to visual work. For artists, it offers a new way of thinking about communication, intent, and audience engagement.

When audio description is treated as part of the creative process rather than an obligation, it becomes another artistic tool. One that expands access, deepens understanding, and reinforces the idea that art is not limited to a single way of being experienced.

Learn More

If you would like to explore the fundamentals of writing and recording audio descriptions, visit our tutorial page. It includes guidance on scripting, pacing, and basic recording techniques to help artists get started.