Hawkwind Album Cover Artwork

My painting The Train of Lights has been selected as the cover artwork for Psychedelic Selection, a new album by Hawkwind released through Cherry Red Records.

Originally inspired by the Dartmouth Train of Lights, the painting captures the glow of illuminated carriages reflected across the River Dart after dark. The scene combines movement, colour and reflection, exploring one of those fleeting moments where light transforms an everyday experience into something memorable.

An Unexpected Journey

The painting was originally sold shortly before Christmas, and I assumed its journey had come to an end.

However, the story took an unexpected turn when the new owner later revealed that he had previously commented on a social media post about the painting, asking if it was available, unaware that it had already been purchased for him as a surprise gift.

As it turned out, the owner was a member of Hawkwind.

Earlier this year, the band contacted me to ask whether the painting could be used as the cover artwork for their forthcoming album, creating an entirely unexpected new chapter in the story of the piece.

From Canvas to Album Cover

Seeing a painting reproduced as album artwork is a unique experience, particularly for a work that had already found its way into a private collection.

The release of Psychedelic Selection has allowed The Train of Lights to reach a much wider audience, appearing on vinyl, CD and digital formats as part of the album's worldwide release.

It has been fascinating to watch the painting continue its journey beyond the gallery wall and take on a new life through music.

From Album Cover to Live Performance

The story didn't quite end with the album release.

Following the launch of Psychedelic Selection, I was invited by Hawkwind to attend their performance at Morvala Festival in Cornwall as a guest of the band. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the band members, see the album in its natural home and experience first-hand how the artwork had become part of the Hawkwind story.

One of the most memorable moments came just before the encore, when The Train of Lights appeared on the giant stage screen behind the band during their performance. Seeing a painting that had begun in my studio become part of a live concert was a genuinely magical experience and one I'll never forget.

Looking back, it has been remarkable to watch one painting continue to find new life. From an original canvas inspired by the Dartmouth Train of Lights, to a surprise Christmas gift, an album cover, and finally a live performance, The Train of Lights has taken me on an unexpected journey of its own.

The Colour of Night

The Train of Lights forms part of my ongoing series, The Colour of Night, which explores how natural and man-made light transform familiar places after dark.

Through reflections, colour and atmosphere, the series focuses on those shared moments that often pass unnoticed, yet remain quietly memorable.