About the Artist

Daniel Brainerd is a photorealistic marine and coastal artist whose work captures the quiet poetry of tropical waters and the living world beneath their surface. Born in Madison Heights, Michigan in 1959, Daniel spent ten years in the U.S. Air Force as a Graphics Technician, where he developed the technical discipline and visual sensitivity that now define his art. He later made a second home in Punta Gorda, Florida — a place whose light, wildlife, and coastal rhythms continue to shape his creative voice.

Daniel’s paintings are known for their remarkable clarity, biological accuracy, and immersive sense of presence. Whether depicting sea turtles gliding through crystalline water, the shifting colors of a Caribbean shoreline, or the serene weightlessness of the underwater world, his work invites viewers to step inside the scene rather than simply observe it. His photorealism is not just technical; it is atmospheric and emotional, blending memory, experience, and a deep respect for marine life.

Inspired by several renowned artists — most notably Australian Master photorealist artist Scott Christensen — Daniel has developed a style that is distinctly his own: vibrant, meticulous, and rooted in the wonder of the natural world. His paintings celebrate the fragile beauty of tropical ecosystems while offering a moment of calm, clarity, and escape.

Today, Daniel continues to refine his craft while contributing to the growth of Tropical Artisan, a platform dedicated to uplifting independent artists and sharing the joy of coastal and marine art with the world. His work stands as both a tribute to the oceans he loves and an invitation for others to experience their magic.