Mahone Bay Moorings (2026)

Mahone Bay Moorings (2026)

24x36 Acrylic on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

This commissioned work was developed from reference photos I captured while travelling by boat through Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Taken in the quiet light approaching sunset, the scene centres on a mooring field alive with mid-summer activity—cruising yachts, small day sailors, and working fishing vessels sharing the same waters. To the right, an assortment of docks and piers—both weathered and more recent—extend into the bay, while a faint suggestion of shoreline anchors the composition along the lower edge.

Mahone Bay has been a source of inspiration for me since childhood. Its clear water and the sense of open-ended exploration among its islands continue to resonate, shaped as much by lived experience as by the enduring lore of Oak Island and the region’s privateering past. My wife and I spent time sailing these waters and visiting many of the islands during the period in which these reference images were gathered, lending this piece a personal and observational foundation.

Untitled (Floral Still Life, 2026)

Untitled (Floral Still Life, 2026)

16x20 Acrylic on Canvas

by

 Daniel Cormier

This painting is a return to traditional still-life painting. Created as a commission, it focuses on structure,light, and color within a classic floral arrangement.

Blue, red, and white serve as the dominant accents, establishing balance and contrast within the composition. The blue vase anchors the arrangement, while the flowers create a measured rhythm across the surface. A draped backdrop references traditional studio setups and allows light and shadow to define the space.

The work reflects a continued exploration of color relationships and compositional balance through a timeless subject.

The Concerto (2026)

The Concerto (2026)

12x36 Acrylic on Canvas

by

 Daniel Cormier

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This painting was inspired by my time playing with the orchestra and my long-standing love of classical music. I wanted to create a large-scale work that reflects the experience of being part of that environment, with the violin soloist as the clear focal point.

The soloist stands at the center of the composition, supported by the surrounding orchestra. To build the piece, I worked through several studies of individual musicians, paying close attention to posture, gesture, and the physical demands of playing. I challenged myself to bring a higher level of detail to each member of the ensemble, going beyond my typical approach.

For me, this work is about the structure and discipline of orchestral performance, but also the shared focus that connects every player on stage. It reflects both my experience as a musician and my growth as a painter, and I hope it connects with anyone who appreciates the presence and energy of live classical music.

Self Portrait (2026)

 Self Portrait (2026)

8x10 Acrylic on Canvas

by

 Daniel Cormier

Painted from life using a mirror, this self-portrait reflects over 30 years of lived experience as a visual artist. I approached the work with a loose, intuitive exploration of color, using minimal brushstrokes to let feeling lead form. Created at a turning point in my practice, this painting marks a quiet but decisive shift in my aesthetic and serves as a foundation for the work that is now emerging.

Portrait of a Blind Man (2021)

 

Portrait of a Blind Man (2021)

20x16 Oil on Canvas

by

 Daniel Cormier

I met this man during my travels through the Caribbean between 2019 and 2021, on the island of Grenada just north of Trinidad. Blind since birth, he carried a presence that immediately drew me in. When I asked if I could paint his portrait, he agreed with a quiet confidence that stayed with me.

In creating this piece, I pushed the vibrancy and tonal range to reflect the spirit of Grenada—the warmth of its people, the rhythm of its culture, and the lasting impression the island left on me. What stays with me most is the bittersweet truth that this gentleman will never be able to see what is likely the only portrait ever made of him. Yet somehow, that makes the painting feel even more meaningful.

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On The Hard (2018)

On The Hard (2018)

16x20 Oil on Canvas

by

 Daniel Cormier

This is the premiere piece for my return to palette knife oil paintings. In 2017 I permanently moved aboard my sailboat which led to a period of non-painting due to this massive adjustment in my life/lifestyle. With this first piece in an obviously new direction in my painting,I've traded/abandoned my previous impressionist-influenced approach for a shift to minimalist. I'm evolving along with my work. I'm interested in the way I'm seeing things; putting emphasis on the approach to the subject instead of simply making a record. Let the piece BE the subject. SOLD

Bouldering (2015)

Bouldering (2015)

23x13 Oil on Wood

by

 Daniel Cormier

For the second time I've re-painted another of my previously sold works: Bouldering (2012). This new painting is larger with more attention to detail and texture. After a storm in Prospect Nova Scotia the sea is alive as wave after wave crashes against the slippery rocks. SOLD