A spectacular gathering of traditional sailing boats fills Mount’s Bay in this large original painting by acclaimed Cornish artist John Dyer, with St Michael’s Mount rising beyond and a family of dolphins swimming beneath the turquoise water.
The painting was inspired by the remarkable traditional vessels associated with the Sea Salts and Sails Festival at Mousehole, when classic working and sailing boats gather in the historic harbour before heading out from Mousehole into the open waters of Mount’s Bay. John has taken that familiar Cornish maritime spectacle and carried it across the bay, filling the sea with red sails, white sails and the movement of boats travelling beneath the great landmark of St Michael’s Mount.
The warm red sails create a striking rhythm across the painting, contrasting with the intense blues and turquoise of the sea, while one of the boats carries a bold, billowing Cornish flag sail, bringing an unmistakable sense of place and identity to the scene. Swimmers enjoy the water between the passing boats while gulls, puffins and other seabirds wheel overhead, giving the whole painting a wonderful sense of summer activity and movement.
In the distance, St Michael’s Mount anchors the composition, its castle rising above the subtropical planting of the island. John’s bright, expressive colour transforms the familiar view into a celebration of Cornwall’s maritime heritage, coastal life and extraordinary natural environment.
Below the surface, the painting opens into another world. A mother dolphin swims alongside her calf through the clear Cornish water, surrounded by mackerel, seaweed and jewel-like details. By revealing life both above and below the sea, John connects the sailing traditions of Mount’s Bay with the wildlife that inhabits these waters.
At 35.5 inches square, ‘Sailing with Dolphins, Mount’s Bay’ is a substantial and joyful original painting, bringing together the Sea Salts and Sails Festival at Mousehole, traditional Cornish sailing boats, St Michael’s Mount and dolphins in one exuberant celebration of Mount’s Bay.
The painting is presented in a contemporary white frame, ready to hang and enjoy.
Item Information
| Description |
Framed Original Painting |
| Artist |
Cornish Artist John Dyer (born 1968) |
| Signed by the Artist |
Signed by John Dyer |
| Painting size |
35.5 x 35.5 inches |
| Medium |
Acrylic on canvas |
| Framed size |
41 x 41 inches |
| Frame type |
The St Ives style picture frame is a Renaissance-inspired cassetta frame, Italian for 'little box', featuring a white stain finish that highlights the wood grain. With a 73mm wide profile and 39mm depth, it creates a recessed central panel, perfect for a timeless, contemporary and elegant display of the painting. |
| Ready to hang |
Strung with picture cord and ready to hang |