Whale Paintings | Stephanie Fuller Artist | Migaloo

I am an artist who lives on the English coast. But, when I lived on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia, I would walk my dog on the beach most days after lunch. I saw so many whales in 2013 year, I thought it was about time I painted them.

While doing my research online about humpback whales I came across something really inspiring.

On 28th June 1991, an all-white whale was photographed passing Byron Bay, Australia's most easterly point. Named Migaloo by the indigenous community in Queensland ("White Fella"), at the time the whale was the only documented all-white humpback whale in the world.

For me, at the time Migaloo was symbolic of the vulnerability of the humpback population. Whaling in the southern ocean was still happening by the Japanese for "Scientific Research". This series of paintings focused on Migaloo, tells the story of his journey up and down the coast and highlights the possible threats to his well-being.

My move to subject matter about the environment and the care of our planet is new became important with this series as my concern for Migaloo's welfare grew so did my concern for our oceans.

Since 2013 Migaloo has become a symbol for all living creatures and the fragility of the environment.

For all that Migaloo’s is an awe-inspiring species – humpback whales are still threatened by humanity's interference and predation. Whale populations are easily destroyed by ships and by scientific whaling carried out in the southern oceans. They need to be protected. I hope that by painting Migaloo I can highlight the importance of his safety and care.

When first sighted in 1991 Migaloo was the only all-white humpback whale in the world. The Beauty of Whales focuses on Migaloo, a juvenile and the albino calf from WA. The painting tells the story of the whales’ journey up and down the coast and highlights 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

All of my whale paintings are sold. 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 bring that feeling we get from being around a creature so incredible and ancient into your home. You remember that moment whale watching when you hear the water break and the release of air from the whales blow hole. Your heart pounds with excitement and the feeling of joy washes over you. Then just as you are savouring that exalted feeling the fluke breaks the surface and the whale dives. It’s as though you didn’t breath while the whale was in your sites and then you and all those around you make a noise as all the humans let go of the breath they have been holding, the breath they caught from the whale. That is what I hope you will feel from this painting.

VIDEO

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

I began painting whales in 2013, there are now 27 whale paintings, all sold except for "Blue Whale" which hasn’t been exhibited yet. Most are of Migaloo the white humpback whale who travels the east coast of Australia. When I came over to LA in 2017 for the show I already had the idea I wanted to paint a Blue Whale. They are incredibly elusive to see in person, the beauty and size is very difficult to conceptualise. I hope this is the first of many paintings of this great creature, the largest of all living animals ever know to have existed. For a hundred years they were hunted almost to extinction, today it is estimated there are approximately 25,000. They are still in danger though, I paint whales to bring nature into your home. The closer we are to these great creatures the more we will appreciate them and strive to make them safe.

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

On a trip to LA, where my son lives, I went to Catalina Island and painted the sea lions on the rocks. I was so impressed that Catalina Island has set up a conservancy for the nature on the island and in the waters. Catalina was very inspiring to visit and these Sea Lions living in their natural habitat were gorgeous.

I want you to feel like you are there on the boat with me. Smelling the ocean, and then that waft of fishiness brings a frown to your burrow. It doesn’t matter though as you look over beyond the aqua water at the sea lions on the rock. As you get closer one jumps off the rock and inquisitive as he is comes slightly towards the boat. He is young and boisterous, he can sense your interest and begins to play and show off in the water.

I painted this painting so that your memories, igniting all your senses, of that time you saw sea lions in nature will be felt in your home. Brining alive once more that sense of oneness with nature.

Sea Lion Oil Painting by Stephanie Burns

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

If you would like to lean more about Migaloo and why I paint him please click this link for the catalogue. Migaloo the white humpback whale

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.)

All of my whale paintings are sold. 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