Under the Northern Lights
 
Artist: Diane Blakely
Year: 2026
Medium: Indian Ink on Watercolour Paper
Original Artwork
 
Under the Northern Lights is a beautifully expressive original work by Kelowna artist Diane Blakely, inspired by an unforgettable encounter with beluga whales in the waters near Churchill, Manitoba. Combining personal experience with artistic imagination, Blakely transports the viewer into a world where the quiet majesty of the Arctic meets the extraordinary beauty of the northern lights.
 
During a summer visit to Churchill, Diane encountered these remarkable white whales in their natural environment. Captivated by their gentle appearance, graceful movements and unmistakable expressions, she imagined how magical they might look swimming beneath the aurora borealis—one of the North's most spectacular natural phenomena.
That vision became Under the Northern Lights.
 
Two luminous beluga whales glide effortlessly through deep blue Arctic waters, their pale forms creating a striking contrast against the rich, atmospheric background. Above them, sweeping ribbons of brilliant turquoise and emerald green rise and dance across the composition, suggesting the flowing movement of the northern lights. The graceful curves of the aurora echo the movement of the whales below, creating a beautiful visual connection between sea and sky.
 
Blakely's distinctive use of Indian ink on watercolour paper gives the composition a wonderful balance of precision and fluidity. Fine, carefully controlled lines define the whales and the surrounding water, while the bold, sweeping forms of the aurora introduce movement, energy and a sense of wonder.
 
The composition is particularly engaging in its simplicity. Rather than attempting a literal representation of the Arctic landscape, Diane interprets the experience through colour, shape and rhythm. The result is a contemporary artwork that feels both peaceful and alive, inviting viewers to imagine the silence of the northern waters illuminated by the dancing lights above.
 
There is also a touching sense of companionship within the painting. The two whales appear to travel together, their gentle expressions and synchronized movement suggesting connection, trust and harmony with the natural world.
 
Under the Northern Lights is more than a beautiful depiction of Arctic wildlife. It is a celebration of discovery, imagination and the lasting impressions created by encounters with nature. By bringing together a real-life experience and an imagined nighttime setting, Blakely creates a scene that is both personal and universally captivating.
 
At Peachland Village Art Studio, we are proud to showcase exceptional British Columbia artists whose work reflects originality, imagination and meaningful connections to the world around us. Diane Blakely's Under the Northern Lights beautifully embodies these qualities, offering collectors an original artwork that celebrates the wonder of Canada's northern wilderness.
 
A captivating meeting of ocean and sky, where the gentle beauty of beluga whales meets the magic of the northern lights.