Whale Paintings | Stephanie Fuller Artist | Migaloo | White Whale Art

As an artist residing on the English coast, I have been captivated by the majestic beauty of the ocean and the incredible creatures that inhabit it. It was during my time living on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia that I was truly inspired to create a series of paintings showcasing the awe-inspiring humpback whales.

In 2013, while walking my dog along the beach, I was amazed by the sheer number of whales that I encountered. This experience encouraged me to conduct research about these magnificent animals, and it was during this time that I discovered the story of Migaloo - an all-white humpback whale that was first sighted in Australia in 1991.

The indigenous community in Queensland named this unique whale "White Fella," and for me, Migaloo represented the vulnerability of the humpback whale population. It was a reminder of the ongoing threat that these beautiful creatures face from human interference and scientific whaling, which is still carried out in the southern oceans.

My series of paintings, which focused on Migaloo, tells the story of his journey up and down the coast, highlighting the potential dangers that he and his fellow humpback whales face. Through my art, I wanted to raise awareness of the threats to these magnificent creatures and their fragile environment.

As my concern for Migaloo's welfare grew, I also began to focus on environmental issues and the care of our seas and oceans in my art. The story of Migaloo has become a symbol for all sea life and the fragility of our oceans. Over the past 10 years, my paintings have become a reflection of my passion for the preservation of our oceans and the protection of its most magnificent creatures.

Migaloo is undoubtedly an awe-inspiring whale; however, whales are vulnerable to the impact of human activity and interference. Whale populations face the risk of destruction due to pollution and scientific whaling conducted in the southern oceans. It is essential to protect these magnificent creatures. Through my paintings of whales, I aim to bring attention to the importance of preserving and caring for our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them.

In 1991, Migaloo was first sighted as the only known all-white humpback whale in the world. In my series of paintings, I focus on Migaloo, as well as an albino calf from Western Australia, telling the story of their journey up and down the coast while capturing the carefree nature of this awe-inspiring species.

The Beauty of Whales Oil Painting by Stephanie Burns

Stephanie Fuller, The Beauty of Whales 2013, Oil on Canvas, 121 x 199 cm
© Stephanie Fuller

If you are interested in purchasing one of my whale paintings click here stephaniefullerartist.com/collections/whales-and-crustacea.

If you are interested in commissioning a whale painting please contact me.

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Migaloo Slapping Oil Painting by Stephanie Burns
Stephanie Fuller, Migaloo Slapping 2013, Oil on Canvas, 137 x 198 cm
© Stephanie Fuller

Yeah Baby Oil Painting by Stephanie Burns

Stephanie Fuller, Yeah Baby 2013, Oil on Canvas, 166 x 212 cm
© Stephanie Fuller

I paint whales to capture the magnificence and majesty of these incredible and ancient creatures, and bring that feeling into your home. You may remember the feeling of awe and wonder when whale watching, as you hear the water break and the release of air from the whale's blowhole. Your heart pounds with excitement and a sense of joy washes over you. Then, just as you are savouring that elevated feeling, the whale's fluke breaks the surface and it dives. It's as though you held your breath while the whale was in sight, and when it disappears, you and everyone around you release a collective breath, caught from the whale itself. That's what I hope you will experience from my paintings.

VIDEO

Watch as Stephanie Begins a Large Painting of Whales during her Exhibition in Sydney.

In 2013, I started creating paintings of whales and have since completed over 30 paintings, all of which have been sold except for "Blue Whale," and some of the watercolours, which have yet to be exhibited. The majority of my whale paintings feature Migaloo, the white humpback whale known for his travels along the east coast of Australia. When I visited lived in LA for a TV series I was in in 2016, I knew I wanted to paint a Blue Whale. These majestic creatures are extremely elusive and their immense size is hard to fathom. This painting was just the beginning of my explorations of this incredible creature, the largest known animal to have ever lived. I began another blue whale painting last year.

After being hunted almost to extinction for a century, their current estimated population is around 25,000, and they remain endangered. By creating paintings of whales, I hope to bring a piece of nature into your home and inspire a greater appreciation and desire to protect these magnificent animals.

Blue Whale Oil Painting by Stephanie Burns 91x121cm

Stephanie Fuller, Blue Whale 2016, Oil on Canvas, 91x121cm
© Stephanie Fuller

Stephanie Fuller, Sea Lions 2016, Oil on Canvas, 91x121cm
© Stephanie Fuller

Sea Lions

During a visit to Catalina Island I was captivated by the sea lions basking on the rocks. It was heartening to learn that the island has established a conservancy to protect its wildlife and marine life. The experience was truly inspiring, and the sea lions in their natural environment were simply breathtaking.

My aim is to transport you to that moment with me on the boat. You can almost smell the ocean and sense the salty sea breeze as you catch a whiff of the fishy aroma. As your gaze wanders across the turquoise waters, you spot the sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks. As you approach, one of the playful juveniles jumps off the rock and swims towards the boat, showing off its acrobatic skills.

My painting aims to capture that special moment and bring back the memories of the time you witnessed these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. I hope it creates a sense of connection with nature and inspires a desire to protect and preserve it.

Sea Lion Oil Painting by Stephanie Burns

Stephanie Fuller, Seal Lion 2016, Oil on canvas, 91x121cm
© Stephanie Fuller

Migaloo Lazy Day Oil Painting by Stephanie Burns

Stephanie Fuller, Migaloo’s Lazy Morning 2013 Oil on canvas, 121 x 182 cm
© Stephanie Fuller

Migaloo Jumping Oil painting by Stephanie Burns

Stephanie Fuller, Migaloo Jumping 2015, Oil on canvas, 110 x 180 cm
© Stephanie Fuller

Migaloo Diving Oil Painting By Stephanie Burns
Stephanie Fuller with Migaloo Diving 2013, Oil on Canvas, 168 x 199 cm
(This painting was destroyed on 31 December 2019, in the bushfires on New Years Eve in New South Wales. It had been in a clients holiday home on the south coast. The family were safe.)

If you are interested in purchasing one of my whale paintings click here stephaniefullerartist.com/collections/whales-and-crustacea.

If you are interested in commissioning a whale painting please contact me.

ENQUIRE

Migaloo and Shark 2013, Oil Painting by Stephanie Burns
Stephanie Fuller, Migaloo and Shark 2013 Oil on canvas 215 x 122 cm
© Stephanie Fuller

Stephanie Burns, Migaloo and Orca 2013 Oil on canvas 215 x 122 cm
Stephanie Fuller, Migaloo and Shark 2013 Oil on canvas 215 x 122 cm
© Stephanie Fuller