The Sacred Lives of Trees | Nature Wisdom

The Sacred Lives of Trees serves to draw attention to the contribution of trees to our wellness and healing.

The lives of trees mirror our own lives as we encounter storms that give rise to twisting, scarring and deprivation of nurture. Yet, given time and more favourable circumstances we can come right again.

As with trees, our return to a state of elegance and grace takes time. The natural world is never suddenly in a perfect state after a shock to its system or a period of disarray. Similarly with ourselves it takes time to heal and grow.

"As an artist, I'm committed to putting nature and simplicity centre stage along my path to authenticity."

Art of Caroline Cunningham

What People Are Saying About Trees

During The Sacred Lives of Trees exhibitions, I gave my viewers the opportunity to express how they felt about trees. It was athe first time I heard people expressing their own personal love of trees, the healing effects of their forest walks and their expressions of gratitude and joy.

Volcanic Tree
Volcanic Tree | Prints Available
Gift a Volcanic Tree Print

"The natural world is never suddenly in a perfect state after a shock to its system or a period of disarray. Similarly with ourselves it takes time to heal and grow."

Caroline Cunningham, Artist

Keep the Tree Conversation Alive

My message about the wellbeing benefits of trees has travelled far and wide. My followers often send me tree related articles. Some send photos of their favourite trees. One follower invited me to be included in a private video (shared only amongst their best friends) featuring a photo of each one hugging a tree.

I’m not the first to start this conversation about trees and I won’t be the last, I’m simply helping people to raise the volume on their thoughts so that these conversations about trees will gather momentum for the benefit of more people on our planet.

Tango Tree
Tango Tree | Prints Available
Gift a Tango Tree Print
Amber Tree
Amber Tree | Painting €180 (Framed)
Gift an Amber Tree Painting

The Sacred Lives of Trees Grows:

I’ve created a set of smaller tree paintings (in acrylic) on board 20 x 25cm to give more choice to lovers of trees and my art work.

Reach | Painting €180 (Framed)
Reach for Sacred Tree Energy

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees

View available paintings and prints from The Sacred Lives of Trees in my online gallery. See something you like, get in touch make it yours!

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees

Dreamtime Ireland

Carlow Arts Festival and VISUAL Carlow have announced Dreamtime Ireland as the title and theme of Artworks 2025; the annual open-call exhibition hosted by VISUAL as part of Carlow Arts Festival

Dreamtime Ireland exhibition is part of a wider research project by artist Sean Lynch that brings together overlooked, forgotten, controversial or unrealised artworks, pointing to often undervalued yet vital cultural forms of commentary, interaction, exchange, and provocation towards the shape of the world and its environment, both today and historically.

Carlow Arts Festival & Visual Gallery

The 2025 exhibition will be presented in the galleries at VISUAL from Thursday 5 June-Sunday 31 August 2025.

Artist Entry | Caroline Cunningham

Entry Title: Saoirse

Medium: Acrylic on Stretched Canvas

Description: Finding freedom; the eternal quest for a life of authenticity, escaping conformity even if only for a short time. What does freedom mean to you?

Saoirse | Acrylic on Canvas

Entry Title: Earthlings

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Paper | Framed with Glass Protection

Description: Who are the true Earthlings? A self-portrait painted prior to cataract surgery, trees have always been a grounding energy and source of self-healing. 

Earthlings | Acrylic on Canvas Paper (Framed)

Art Bio Caroline Cunningham

Visual arts background in life drawing, a colourist, deeply influenced by creative studies in vocal expression (20+years).

Drawn to themes of connection through nature and places, quest for authentic self and the life experiences of women. Author of 2 self published books (wellness and poetry genres).

Favourite art quoth:

Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable

Cesar A. Cruz

In 2025, there is much need for comfort as our civilisation moves further away from all that's authentic, gentle and kind.

We'll find peace outside when we find it within, for this to work we need listening, acceptance, with a good deal of compassion. Peace for one is not enough however. Peace is an ongoing search and practice.

Doing the little that I can.

Art of Caroline at Carlow's Cafe Thyme

Love coffee and an opportunity to feed your senses and art soul? A visit to a special Carlow venue is a must, where Art of Caroline exhibits throughout December 2022.

Cafe Thyme: a beautiful space for delicious lunch, coffee and delightful treats and gateway to Delta Centre's stunning sensory garden.

The garden has an inspiring story to tell and as a local artist it's truly wonderful to be exhibiting there. 20% of all art sales goes towards the running of the Delta Centre which provides exceptional services to people with different needs and abilities.

Coffee Art & Catch Up

Catch up with family or friends with a delicious lunch or hot cuppa and treats on a cold winters day, while pondering some art inspiration for your home or decidng which lucky person will receive a special arty gift this year.

Cafe Thyme is open most days. Details of their opening hours are here.

Christmas Events at Delta's Sensory Gardens

Choose a festive experience with a difference: the Sensory Gardens Christmas light display adds an extra dimension of joy for the senses.

A Festive Wonderland

Art of Caroline Curated Gift Guide

Considering an Art of Caroline gift for a loved one this Christmas? My curated guide is designed to make your art gifting easy and stress free. Place your order before Decemer 8th as this is a busy time of year for delivery services.

Keep Festive Calm with this Arty Guide
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Choose an original Painting

Explore All Paintings

Paintings from €145 to €250

Choose Paintings from €145 to €250

Miniature Paintings €80

Choose Framed Miniature Paintings €80

Limited Edition Prints €70 to €110

Choose Limited Edition Prints

Ganga Dreaming - The Call Of India

Is there a country, a city or a town you've been to that changed you forever?

India was it for me. On arrival in New Delhi, my senses accosted from every angle, I was compelled to go with its helter-skelter. I returned home with a clearer sense of purpose, less inhibited than ever before and prepared to host my first solo exhibition ‘Indian Heart Way’.

Indian Heart Way: a collection of 8 paintings, depicting a journey through India via the heart of the journey-maker.

Varanasi Sunrise - (Labelled for Reuse)
Sunrise over the Ganga, Varanasi

The exhibition was a huge success, art buyers and guests marvelled at the sense of place and time and even smells the paintings evoked for those who had travelled in India. Most sought after was Ganga Dreaming. That little boat on the Holy River aroused much curiosity.

It captures a memory of days spent sailing on the Ganga in a little row boat, camping along its banks in nights full of peace and magic. Quiet days too, occasionally passing groups of colourfully clothed country folk doing their washing along the shore. Kingfishers and dolphin-like creatures appeared to us, while ever-present was the hazy fog that is typical at that time of year.

Night time, equally enchanting, as my ears attuned to the haunting howls of jackals roaming nearby hills and the comforting regularity of tabla drums from a distant camp, as if in worship of the starry heaven above.

After three days we sailed into Varanasi ‘City Of Light’, in time for new year's eve celebrations. Memories I hold dear forever.

Ganga Dreaming, now available as a limited edition giclee print, enshrines these memories in the ripples of the water, the bright sails of the river boat and the curiosity of its destination.

The perfect gift of serenity and wonder for loved ones or a lovely addition to your living room, yoga retreat or workspace.

Ganga Dreaming Limited Edition Print €110
Get Your Ganga Dreaming Here

Helpful Arty Gift Guide for Christmas Calm

Stay calm this Christmas and escape all the tizzy and stress of finding the perfect gift in time for Christmas day.

I've got your back with my top tips for a calm and pleasant shopping experience this year. November is the month to set the stage for a blissful winter holiday experience, so you can relax knowing you have it all sorted and your loved ones will have the most unique creative gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning.

Top Tips for Stress-Free Christmas Shopping

*** Time Saving Arty Gift Guide ***

Top Pick No. 1

Do you know someone who likes travel? Holiday dreaming inspiration is the perfect choice, choose from My Portugal miniature paintings.

Price is range €80 to €180 and they are sure to brighten someones home or workspace.

Give the gift of My Portugal from €80
Molhe - My Portugal Framed
Molhe - My Portugal Framed

Top Pick No. 2

Mount Leinster Mandala limited edition print is a popular choice for Irish art buyers and our diaspora with ancestral links to the sunny south east of Ireland.

The edition is limited to 50, each one comes with a certificate of authenticity. They are sold without frame, although occasionally there may be a small selection of framed prints available.

Give the gift of Irish Mountain €95
Ganga Dreaming Limited Edition Art Print

Top Pick No. 3

India has a charm for many of my art buyers. I sold the entire Indian Heartway collection in a flash, except for Golden Urn which has been in my private collection until recently.

Take a look at your options for claiming a piece of Indian Heartway with an original painting (€250) or Ganga Dreaming limited edition print (€110)

Give the gift of India from €110

Top Pick No. 4

Friendly Winter Robin art prints and greetings cards have a special meaning particluarly at this time of year. The robin is traditionally associated with the memory of loved ones who've departed the earthly world.

Bring comfort to someones life by choosing from a range of prints in paper, canvas, wood, metal or greetings cards.

Give the gift of Friendly Robin from €5
WInter Robin
Winter Robin Prints & Greetings Cards
Rathvilly After the Rain (Ireland)

Top Pick No. 5

Looking for something more impressive for that special someone? Browse through the catelog of available paintings (from €250 to €1,250) with themes of romantic freedom, country village, indian charm and the nature inspiration.

Gifts that say more from €250

Order Dates for Christmas 2022

December is a particularly busy month for postal and delivery providers and this can affect the time it takes for your order to arrive. Check the recommended order dates below for each art category to avoid unnecessary stress and disappointment this year.

With the exception of my open edition prints I prepare all items for delivery. When you choose open edition prints you're purchasing directly from the printer and their terms and conditions apply along with their excellent customer support.

Open Edition Prints

Greetings cards and open edition prints are printed in the UK., while wood, metal, canvas & framed prints are manufactured in Europe.

For stress-free shopping place orders for these type of prints by the first week of November.

Fabric prints are produced in the USA. For deliveries of fabric prints outside of USA order in September for stress free fulfillment in time for Christmas.

Limited Edition Prints

These are printed in Ireland and delivery is by registered post.

For orders within Ireland place your order by December 4th.

For deliveries outside of Ireland order wtihin November.

Original Paintings

Order original paintings in November. It's best to get in touch to discuss delivery options.

Smaller paintings can be delivered by registered post whereas larger paintings can be delivered by courier or collection can be arranged from my home in Carlow.

Larger items containing glass require special arrangements for collecton or delivery.

Choose Art Print Gifts
Choose Limited Editions
Choose an Original Painting

Wedding Gifts - Symbolic, Timeless & Elegant

The rituals associated with weddings are as old as the Pyramids, let's take a look at this life-giving gift that makes our world go around.

Ancient Rituals of Wedding Gifting:

The middle ages are famous for the barganing of land, animals & metals in exchange for strategic marriages between kingdoms and clans, but did you know that these rituals go as far back as the Code of Hammurabi in 1780 B.C.E.?

The payment of a bride price or dowry remained strong in many cultures but by the late 1800's a new trend had emerged. It had become customary for gifts to be provided by guests who were deemed worthy of an invite to the auspicious celebration.

The tradition of the wedding registry (wedding list) originated in 1924 when the famed US Macy's department store introduced it as a savvy marketing strategy, one which was swiftly adopted worldwide.

Curated gift lists meant couples could receive gifts they actually desired or needed. This was particularly useful when couples had not previously lived together and were about to set up a home.

Symbolic, Timeless & Elegant Gifts

In modern times, despite the growing trend of gifting money, choosing the perfect wedding gift is an important consideration symbolising the special occasion of marriage.

Timeless and elegant wedding gifts are a token of respect to families and recognise the importance of the givers relations with the bride or groom.

With this in mind, I present my own Wedding List to help you choose the perfect timeless and elegant gift, one that will provide colour and inspiration throughout the lives of the happy couple and keep your relations with them in high esteem.

Ganga Dreaming

Limited Edition Print from Indian Heart Way Collection

Wedding Gifts by Art of Caroline

The artwork in this list is specially curated to help you to choose the perfect wedding gift that will have pride of place in the homes of the newly weds, ensuring that your gift will be treasured throughout their lifetime. The artwork you choose can be the entirety of your gift or you may choose to purchase an art piece to accompany your cash gift.

Paintings from The Sacred Lives of Trees Collection

Choose from this Collection

Paintings from €145 to €250

Choose Paintings from €145 to €250

Miniature Paintings €80

Choose Framed Miniature Paintings €80

Limited Edition Prints €70 to €110

Choose Limited Edition Prints

Carlow Landscape Paintings

The second smallest county in Ireland enjoys a colourful landscape that is stunning to behold from any view point.

I used to think people took these things for granted, too busy to pass remark about the scenery, or choosing to keep these feelings to themselves.

It was not until I started to paint these scenes and exhibit my work that I truly began to hear those sentiments being verbalised in my community. This is why art is so important, it's why I create.

"Art provides an opportunity for people to give expression to their thoughts and feelings. This is why I create."

Caroline Cunningham, Artist

Into The Heart Land

The view from Mount Leinster's Nine Stones is simply invigorating with its colourful tapestry changing according to the seasons. Walkers, hang-gliders and paragliders and sight-seers all gather in this popular spot for the good of their wellbeing and soul.

I created 'Into the Heartland' collection of paintings in honour of the views across Carlow from Mount Leinster as seen in the painting below. All original paintings are sold, however, you may be able to acquire a limited edition of one of the pieces 'Mount Leinster Mandala'.

Caroline Cunningham Art - Into the Heartland.
Into the Heartland (Original Sold)
Shop the Limited Edition

Scenes from a Carlow Village

Mount Leinster and surrounding hills are just as captivating as seen from the environs of the village where I'm from, I had no shortage of beauty to inspire my artwork.

Rathvilly after the Rain was created further back, in my first workings with oil paints, that was 1999, the beginning of a long journey of self discovery, healing and development of skills through study in the arts, holistic health and the experience that comes from travel.

Winter Sky (Sold)
Mount Leinster Series (No. 4) €650
Purchase the Original Painting
Rathvilly After The Rain
Rathvilly after the Rain - Oil Painting €950 (Resale)
Rathvilly After the Rain (Oil Painting) Rathvilly After the Rain (Prints)

See something you like? I'm happy to assist you with any questions you may have about my art work, simply get in touch via the contact form.

Enquire about Carlow Landscapes

Brighten Your Home With Affordable Miniature Paintings

Fed up looking at the same dreary walls and decor every day? I have a low effort way to change things up without too much cost.

Miniature Colour Solutions

My mniature paintings are an affordable way to add colour and inspiration to your home or work space.

Check out my virtual popup shop, filmed from my kitchen to get a flavour of my work. Choose from a wide variety of paintings, prints, limited editions and books. See something you like, get in touch and it can soon be yours.

Choose Paintings from €80 to €200
.

Online Shopping Guide to Affordable Stylish Creative Gifts

Here's a handy video guide to show how easy it is to shop on-line for affordable stylish creative gifts from my open edition art prints.

Thanks to Fine Art America's print-on-demand & trusted service since 2006, you can purchase a wide variety of arty gifts for your home or lifestyle, from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world. Fine Art America deal with the printing, payments, delivery and customer service, freeing me up for creating new artwork.

This video guide demonstrates how to shop stylish colourful gifts in my art range on Fine Art America.

Fine Art America advise on processing time for different products, delivery depends on your shipping location which they indicate at check-out stage as shown in my video guide.

Choose from a wide variety of stylish products such as: tote bags, weekender bags, pouches and facemasks or something to decorate your home such as art prints with or without frame. You can even order greetings card of my art work with your own customised greetings.

These are very affordable gift options giving you the freedom to choose style, size and quantity. If you have any questions about delivery and returns policy you will find all the information on Fine Art America's site.

I hope you find my video useful. If you have any questions relating to my artwork drop me an email via the contact page.

Choose Affordable Creative Gift Options

Remembering The Night Our World Went Silent.

Where were you on the night of March 21st 2020?

That was the night our Taoiseach (P.M.) announced that Ireland was going into full lockdown. In the face of a death wreaking virus, we were instructed, starting from midnight, to restrict travel to within a 2km radius for exercise and grocery shopping.

Our lives changed dramatically in that moment. I packed my bags that night and moved in with my partner and his children, for how long we didn't know. Little was known at that stage about this new coronavirus.

The Silence

Overnight, an unusual silence descended on our towns, villages and cities. Photographer Rob O'Connor took to the streets of Cork to capture those moments through his lens. His work sparked an idea for colloborattive project called The Silence.

I am one of the 45 artists invited by Art In Many Forms curator Pat O'Carroll to contribute my reflections on those unusual events. Together with the photography of Rob O'Connor, our art workand poems would tell a story of our collective experience.

"I hope the entire project will be brought to life in 2021, with actors reading the words which have been contributed to a backdrop of images by Rob O'Connor who has inspired The Silence."

Pat O' Carroll

My contribution to The Silence is a poem: 'Stay In' - which you can read below.

In Memory & Gratitude

Coming together as a nation with a common goal of keeping each other safe required a lot of effort and sacrifice. I'd like to offer sympathies to those who lost loved ones during that time, it was the most difficult experience of all I imagine.

Also, my thanks to those who worked tirelessly, and not without worry, on the front lines throughout the pandemic.

Join me for Event Invites & Art Updates

Dare to Wear Your Authentic Style | Tote Bags | Nature Theme

Two things I love and appreciate in life, colour and it's ability to lift moods and the healing power of nature, trees in particular.

Put these two things together and you have my reason for painting the collectoin I call 'The Sacred Lives of Trees'.

"While many of my tree paintings are in homes across Ireland, UK and Europe, you can still get hold of these colourful nature-themed art images."

Art of Caroline
Caroline Cunningham Art Designs

Nature Themed Tote Bags

My tote bag fashion range provide the perfect treat for yourself or authentic people in your life.

Along with a variety of designs there are three sizes to choose from in an affordable price point.

My nature-themed tote bags are ready to accompany you on your journeys over and over again.

The In Between
Treedom 2
Treedom 1
Tango Tree
Symphoncic Trees

How To Shop the Range

My art-customised tote bags are manufactured by Fine Art America and ship from the U.S.A. within 2 to 3 days of your order being placed. They have a reliable delivery service worldwide and excellent customer service too.

Exact details of shipping times and delivery rates are available during their check-out process and may vary depending on the country you require delivery to.

Previous clients who have purchased have let me know that they were very pleased with their shopping experience and product.

View the Entire Range

"Each art piece has a variety of products to choose from (greetings cards, prints, fashion bags, cushion covers and more). See my handy video guide below to help you shop the full range of stylish gifts"

Art of Caroline Cunningham
Guide to my online shop for stylish creatvie affordable gifts

Arty Picks for Your Hot Valentine

Make your lover feel extra special this Valentine's Day by gifting them an art piece on the theme of love. And if you don't currently have a luscious lover stashed in the wings, let's celebrate that which permeates us all.

Love is all around us, when we open our hearts to its revitalising energy amazing things can happen in our lives.

I've curated art work for gifting this Valentine's.

ART PICKS FOR VALENTINES

1. Kiss on the Liffey (Painting)

The hal’penny bridge over Dublin’s river Liffey has captured the hearts of many lovers, whose kisses over the liffey have inspired this painting from my imagination.

Click image for full details.

Kiss on the Liffey | Acrylic on Canvas

2. Loves Light Upon Us

Love’s Light Upon Us represents a moment of beauty and grace. Add this gentle reminder to your home or gift it to the special person in your life.

Click image for full details.

Loves Light Upon Us | Limited Edition Print (Giclee)

3. Tango Tree

A touch of tango romance nature style perfect for your lover or your fabulous self. With this art piece you have so much choice in terms of its format.

Order a print in the size you prefer or a customised lifestyle gift and keep within your specific budget too.

Click image for full details.

Tango Tree | Open Edition Print

4. The Gift of Poetry

The Whisperings of Nature has many lines referring to the love that's found all around us.

"Love follows love when it's not hard to find' from my poem" | A Lover.

The Whisperings of Nature | Caroline Cunningham

Woo your lover this Valentine with the gift of poetry.

Click image for full details.

Discover a wider selection of arty gift options by visiting my online gallery. Allow me to assist you with your art choice and any queries you may have.

Give the Gift of Art to your Lover