A Newquay-based artist has seen one of her paintings take on an unexpected second life, after it was used as the cover artwork for a new album by Hawkwind. Diane Griffiths, a contemporary artist known for her atmospheric night scenes, originally created The Train of Lights inspired by the Dartmouth Train of Lights, capturing the glow of illuminated carriages reflected across the River Dart.
The painting was sold in the lead-up to Christmas, but the story didn’t end there. It later emerged that the buyer’s husband had previously commented on a social media post featuring the work, asking if it was for sale, unaware at the time that it had already been purchased for him as a surprise.
The buyer was wife of musician Dave Brock of Hawkwind, and earlier this year the band contacted Griffiths to request permission to use the painting as the cover artwork for their latest release, Psychedelic Selection, out in June via Cherry Red Records.
Griffiths said: “It’s always special to see where a painting ends up, but this one has taken on a life of its own. It’s been wonderful to see it continue its journey beyond the canvas.”
Hawkwind are scheduled to perform across the UK in 2026, including a headline appearance at the Morvala Festival in Cornwall, which Griffiths has been invited to attend.
Griffiths’ work explores how natural and man-made light transforms everyday landscapes at night, focusing on moments that are often overlooked but widely shared.
Artist Diane Griffiths
Multi-Award Winning Artist. Acrylic nightscapes, exploring how light transforms & reveals beauty. Original art & prints via website.
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Winner of the People’s Choice Award 2024, The British Art Prize, Artists & Illustrators Magazine
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