Whale Song – A Tribute to Migration and Mystery

Each winter, a great journey unfolds off the east coast of Australia. Humpback whales make their annual migration from the chilly Antarctic waters to the warmer breeding grounds of Queensland, and their haunting, melodic songs echo through the ocean. This awe-inspiring natural event is the inspiration behind my latest painting, Whale Song.

Captured from an underwater perspective, this piece depicts two whales swimming upward toward the sun-dappled surface. The light filters through the water in luminous beams, gently illuminating the vast blue that surrounds them. I used layers of texture and blending techniques to create a sense of depth and movement, echoing the quiet mystery of the deep sea.

The painting is not only a visual celebration of the whales’ grace and strength, but also an emotional response to the connection we feel with these gentle giants. Their songs—complex, evolving, and unique to each population—are believed to play roles in communication, navigation, and perhaps even artistic expression of their own.

While watching them from the coastline or hearing their distant calls on a boat trip, I’m always struck by how small we are in comparison to the rhythms of the natural world. Through Whale Song, I wanted to honour not only the beauty of these creatures but the deep, silent spaces they move through—spaces filled with memory, instinct, and an ancient harmony.

As their migration continues this season, I hope this work serves as a quiet reminder of the majesty that swims just beyond the surf break—and of the songs that travel farther than we ever could.

This original artwork is available now.