AN award-winning Newquay artist has seen one of her paintings take on an unexpected second life.

Diane Griffiths artwork ‘The Train of Lights’ has been used as the cover artwork for a new album by Hawkwind.

She 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 Diane to request permission to use the painting as the cover artwork for their latest release, Psychedelic Selection, out 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 perform across the UK in 2026, including a headline appearance at the Morvala Festival in Cornwall, which Diane has been invited to attend.

Diane is known for her atmospheric night scenes, which have won several awards

Her painting of Playland Amusements in East Street titled Insert Coin to Begin received first prize in the People’s Choice Award in the SAA (Supporting All Artists) Artist of the Year 2025 competition following a public vote.

She won the People’s Choice Award in The British Art Prize last year for her painting of the Texaco filling station at the Gannel titled Driving Home, which was also through a public vote.