Luminescence | Original

There are pieces that come easily. This was not one of them.

Luminescence was painted more than once. I kept chasing the glow—the electric blue that coral seems to hold when light filters down through deep water. Against black, it either disappeared…or it screamed. There was no middle ground. I had to find the tension point where the contrast felt alive. Where it had that quiet, undeniable "wow."

This 10” x 10” original is about that moment. The split second when something fragile commands your full attention.

I painted this as a reminder: beauty this extraordinary deserves protection.

The original holds depth and texture that a print simply cannot replicate. The layered blues shift subtly in changing light. Up close, you can see the brushwork—the persistence behind the glow.

If you’ve felt the pull of the ocean—if you believe what’s fragile is worth fighting for—this piece was created for you.

Bring the reef home. Let it start conversations. Let it stand for something.

Medium: Watercolor on 300gsm 100% cotton rag paper mounted to wood panel. Finished with satin varnish.
Size: 10 x 10 inches (unframed)
Mounting/Framing Options: Wood panel mounted in black frame.

Conservation Notes:

Bioluminescent coral isn’t just visually stunning—it’s a biological marvel we’re only beginning to understand. Found mostly in deeper or shaded reef zones, these corals emit a soft glow thanks to proteins and pigments that react to light or movement. Some scientists believe the fluorescence helps protect coral from harmful UV rays, while others think it may help them communicate or attract symbiotic algae.

But these corals—and the ecosystems they support—are incredibly fragile. Coral reefs are home to roughly 25% of all marine species, yet they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, overfishing, and pollution are putting enormous pressure on reef systems around the world. In some regions, we’ve already lost more than 50% of coral cover.

The deeper reefs, where bioluminescent species are more likely to be found, are often overlooked in conservation efforts simply because they’re harder to study. Yet they may hold keys to reef survival—offering genetic diversity and resilience that shallower reefs can’t.

With this piece, and through my partnership with 1% for the Planet, a portion of every sale supports organizations working to protect and restore coral reef habitats. It’s a small way to give back to the ocean that gives us so much.

Reference Photo Inspiration by Zoe Lower

If you're interested in reproductions, they can be found here.