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

CLICK TO BUY THIS ORIGINAL PAINTING ON ETSY

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.

PURCHASE ON ETSY

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

Bouldering 2 (2015)

Bouldering 2 (2015)

16x12 Oil on Board

by

Daniel Cormier

Bouldering after a storm in Prospect Nova Scotia. The sea is alive as wave after wave crashes against the rocks at my feet while high winds seem to pass right through me. It's a difficult place to paint so I work quickly using only the palette knife. This is my second Nova Scotia bouldering painting since 2012. SOLD

Return to Shaw's Landing (2015)

Return to Shaw's Landing (2015)

22x13.5 Oil on Board

by

Daniel Cormier

My 2012 Sunset on Shaw's Landing was so incredibly popular that I had planned to re-paint it and make it available once more. Here it is - now a bit larger, and more attention to the village and boats on the right we're back to Shaw's landing at sunset. This is the view from a little lobster restaurant I visited with friends, painted in palette knife from my photographer friend Breton's photo he took that night.  SOLD

Rue Victor Hugo, Brantôme, France (2015)

Rue Victor Hugo, Brantôme, France (2015)
11.75x13.25 Oil on Board
by

Daniel Cormier

A scene from the old world streets of Brantôme in the late fall. Painted completely with palette knife on board in one session. SOLD

Paris en début de matinée (2015)

Paris en début de matinée (2015)

22x48 Oil on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

Enter Paris on a crisp November morning as early risers begin to move about the city. The Sunrise is in full bloom just peeking over the building tops in an orange glow. It is the beginning of the day. Painted with palette knife and brushes in oils on a large 2' x 4' canvas. I will post a better photo soon. The original is for sale on Etsy: SOLD

Old Fishing Shack, Prospect, NS (2014)

Old Fishing Shack, Prospect, NS (2014)

12x16 Oil on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

It's a beautiful day where you're standing on the coast of Nova Scotia. The ocean breeze is washing over you. You feel a connection to this place. A single fishing shack is perched on a rocky outcrop.  This is a precarious existence; It's old wooden beams cry arrogance and yet they seem permanent; transfixed to the landscape in which they are necessary.  SOLD

Montmartre with Spruce, Montmartre, Paris (2014)

Montmartre with Spruce, Montmartre, Paris (2014)

16x12 Oil on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

An iconic look at another Montmartre street; beautiful old-world Paris meets the late 19th Century with brick buildings on the right and iron fences on the left that share space with old Napoleonic homes behind. A strong organic citrus palette makes this painting warm and inviting. SOLD

Place Emile Goudeau, Montmartre, Paris (2014)

Place Emile Goudeau, Montmartre, Paris (2014)

24x18 Oil on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

It's late November and the leaves are gone. The weather is good but you need a coat today here in the historic Place Emile Goudeau which is shaded by unseen buildings on the left. Students are walking. Two women share a bench. This place is special for artists who know that the young Picasso and other post-impressionists lived and painted here on the square. SOLD

Montmartre Looking Down, Montmartre, Paris

Montmartre Looking Down, Montmartre, Paris (2014)

16x12 Oil on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

Looking down from the high streets of Montmartre, we see a cluster of signature old Parisian Buildings, and the many plateaus that make Montmartre  so unique. There is a conspicuous blue sign begging to be read, and in the distance, the remains of an old horse hovel built at street level. This Painting is the exact opposite angle of "Montmartre"(sold), the first in my Paris series. I'm motivated to capture the magic and mystery of old Paris with my Palette knife with the energy of the impressionists. SOLD

Violin Study (2013)

Violin Study (2013)

10x14 Oil on Board

by

Daniel Cormier

My violin painted from life using only the palette knife. SOLD

Nord du Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, Paris

Nord du Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, Paris (2013)

16x20 Oil on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

Early on a late November morning an artist is sketching the reverse scene on a paper pad. Behind him in the far distance, the historic Sacré-Cœur Basilica stands surrounded by the landmark buildings of old Paris. Painted in several layers using only palette knife. SOLD

The Wired Monk, Halifax, NS

The Wired Monk, Halifax, NS

24x30 Oil on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

The Wired Monk is the latest of my 2013 summer commission pieces, painted on request by a friend of mine to be given as a gift. The Wired Monk is a popular hang out and meeting place in the heart of the downtown Halifax. Painted strictly with the knife, I applied thick oils in layers to give texture and depth to each surface. SOLD

La Maison Rose a Montmartre, Paris

La Maison Rose a Montmartre, Paris (2013)

16x20 Oil on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

A remnant of the time I spent exploring the streets of Montmartre Paris. A garden of thick vines hangs down over an old historic wall of stone across from La Maison Rose, A true bohemian icon of old Paris.  SOLD

Montmartre, Paris

Montmartre, Paris (2013)

20x16 Oil on Canvas

by

Daniel Cormier

A street scene from the Montmartre area of Paris. Painted using strictly palette knife on canvas. Visiting the district where some of my greatest influences lived and worked was like going on a pilgrimage. Impressionists like Renoir and Degas painted these very same streets. This piece is a tribute to that experience in my life. SOLD