A Stunning Highlight in Kerry’s Peter Pan Series
Kerry Darlington’s “Second Star to the Right, and Straight On ‘Til Morning” is a breathtaking addition to her Peter Pan series, reimagining her earlier work, "Come Away, Come Away." With its intricate storytelling and captivating visuals, this new artwork was the centrepiece of her Return to Neverland virtual event, inviting collectors back into the enchanting world of Neverland. From her studio in North Wales, Kerry gave us an exclusive look at the creative process behind this new work.
INSIDE KERRY’S IMAGINATION
The creation of "Second Star to the Right and Straight on 'till Morning" is deeply rooted in Kerry Darlington’s unique connection to storytelling and imagination. Speaking from her studio in North Wales during our visit, she shared how her love for Peter Pan has never faded.
"...I really like to revisit paintings I've done in the past because they don't actually leave me. It's more about tapping into a feeling I get when I'm painting. It's always about that more than the actual subject of Peter Pan. I don't know how to explain it really, I'll probably revisit it forever because I really enjoy being in that place in my imagination."
The iconic image of Peter, Wendy, John, and Michael soaring over London evokes this sense of magic. Kerry’s ability to channel emotion through her art is unmatched.
"It’s the feeling I get from the books rather than the subject itself. When I read Peter Pan, it feels like being able to fly into a magical kingdom—an escape from reality."
This connection to her inner child, combined with her technical brilliance, breathes life into the scene, making it feel both fantastical and deeply personal.
- Medium: Limited Edition Mixed Media on board with 3D embellishments and a gloss resin finish.
- Image Size: 61.5 x 61.5 cm / 24.2" x 24.2"
- Framed Size: 83.5 x 83.5 cm / 32.8" x 32.8"
- Frame:
- Signature Black / Gold sculpted wooden frame
- White Gloss sculpted wooden frame
- Edition Size: Only 195 Editions available worldwide and 20 Artist Proofs.
During the painting process, Kerry immersed herself in the world of Peter Pan, often listening to audiobooks or uplifting classical music. For the scenes of the children flying through the sky, she played Adagio for Strings, a piece that inspired the ethereal and uplifting tone of the artwork.
The magic of Peter Pan extends to Kerry’s depiction of London, a city she describes as magical in its own right. As a child, she imagined London as a place of endless possibilities, inspired by stories like Mary Poppins and The Wind in the Willows.
"London always felt ethereal and full of spires and mystery—like any creature could live underground,"
Today, frequent visits to her children, who now live in the city, keep that connection alive.
AN ARTISTIC EVOLUTION
Kerry’s art is not only about storytelling but also about innovation. Her layered resin technique, which creates depth and luminosity, is the secret behind the glowing, almost dreamlike quality of Second Star to the Right.
"The highlights you see in the figures and moon aren’t just painted—they’re created by light passing through the translucent resin layers."
This meticulous process allows her to evoke an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that feels both timeless and immersive.
This piece also marks a significant step forward in her Peter Pan series. "Second Star to the Right" reimagines her earlier work, "Come Away, Come Away", with a more refined and expressive style. While the earlier piece embraced bold colours and defined clouds, the new painting opts for muted tones and softer blending, enhancing the dreamlike quality.
"I wanted to create something that felt timeless, like a fleeting memory you could step into."
Every detail in this new work, from the silvery owls flying alongside the children to the glowing Tinker Bell leading the way, invites the viewer into Kerry’s world of imagination. For collectors, this piece is not just an artwork but a gateway to the magical feeling Kerry experiences as she creates.
"Everything I paint has a story behind it—whether it’s from a book or my imagination. It’s about connecting to that place inside where the story lives."
This stunning addition to her Peter Pan series is more than just a painting—it’s a reminder of the magic we all carry within us. With its timeless appeal and masterful execution, Second Star to the Right is a perfect piece for art lovers and collectors seeking to capture the essence of wonder.
