Newquay artist’s painting chosen for Hawkwind album cover

A Newquay-based artist has seen one of her paintings take on a new life after being used as the cover artwork for an album by rock band - Hawkwind.

Diane Griffiths created The Train of Lights, inspired by the Dartmouth Train of Lights, capturing illuminated carriages reflected across the River Dart.

The painting was sold in the lead-up to Christmas, but its story continued after the buyer’s husband had previously asked on social media if the piece was for sale, unaware it had already been bought for him as a surprise.

The buyer was the wife of Dave Brock, and earlier this year the band contacted Griffiths to request permission to use the artwork.

It will now feature on the cover of their upcoming album Psychedelic Selection, which is due for release in June via Cherry Red Records.

Diane 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 tour the UK in 2026, including a headline appearance at the Morvala Festival, which Diane has been invited to attend.

Her work focuses on how natural and man-made light transforms everyday landscapes at night, often capturing scenes that might otherwise go unnoticed.