Darker Days & The In Between | Art of Caroline

December gives some of us cause for despair as we plunge deeper into darkness and cold damp air, hallmarks of Irish winters. Summer, I'm in my element, spending time outdoors, the warm feel of sunshine on my skin and sleeping with my window open, regardless of what experts say no amount of vitamin D can produce those soothing sensations.

"That which, diverts our minds from perceived problems and dilemmas, is worthy of being appreciated and framed."
Caroline Cunningham, Artist

As we glide through the sublime colours of autumn, I acknowledge the in-between state of summer fading away and the looming winter which I'll endeavour to embrace once more.

Many of my paintings in ' The Sacred Lives of Trees' collection show the bareness of winter branches attempting to catch hold of the setting sun, reflecting beauty and hope.

The In Between’ painting places the viewer between darkness and the light. In such moments, our true essence can be impressed even more upon us. Embracing our darkness is just as important as recognising the brilliance of our light.

Embrace The In Between

While the original painting of The In Between now resides in a home in Finland, you can still avail of your own printed copy with many options to customise for homewear, lifestyle and even as greetings cards.

Check out all these print options at my store at Fine Art America.

Embrace The In Between

Art Gifts & Books for Christmas & All Occasions

For the one who buys the most thoughtful gifts for others for Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries and for those who like to surround themselves with colour and comforting nature inspiration, this post is especially for you.

Spend as little as €12 or more on books, paintings and art prints with lots of variety to choose from.

Books of Poetry and Calm:

My books evoke feelings of calm and encourage people to restore and maintain calm. 'Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self' provides tips for self-care and includes a workbook. The Whisperings of Nature provides thought-provoking nature-inspired poems. Click on the book images to go straight to purchase area (Amazon & Feedaread book stores).

Restore Calm

Connect with Nature

Art Print Gifts for All Occasions:

Discover my affordable art prints, with options for customising lifestyle items; phone-covers, tote bags and even personalised greetings cards. The beauty of this option is that you get to choose the size of the art print and the format (e.g. paper or canvas options) and ultimately you choose within your budget.

Gifts for All Occasions

Limited Edition Prints:

Ganga Dreaming Limited Edition Art Print — Ganga Dreaming Limited Edition

Give the Gift of a Limited Edition

Limited edition art prints provide a high quality affordable option for you to obtain an original Caroline Cunningham art piece.

Limited Edition of 150
Giclee print on Hahnemuhle, German etching paper
Archival inks
Titled, numbered and signed by the artist
Signed Certificate of Authenticity (includes matching stickers with numbers x 2)
Price includes free worldwide shipping

Art of Caroline Original Paintings:

Often people prefer to have the original painting for their home or workspace. My art is an expression of stories that awaken dreams and keep them alive. I love vibrant colours and the freedom of allowing imagination to seep through reality.

Explore my paintings in the interest of feeding your own dreams and keeping them alive. You'll find landscapes, trees, scenes from lands such as India and Portugal.

See something you like, get in touch to make it yours.

Choose Inspiration for your Home

The Men in the Tree

‘Who are in the men in tree?’ A busy exhibition opening night had come to a close and a few of my friends were awaiting an answer to this question. Seeing my puzzled expression, they beckoned me to stand before my ‘Treedom Series 3' painting.

Inspired by a very old and majestic beech tree anchored at my home-place, Treedom had pride of place as part of my collection ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’.

This particular Treedom had been cast in a very spontaneous moment of splashing and merging of paint. I had studied the tree many times throughout the seasons, watching the sun-light traversing its branches as autumn spun into winter. Treedom 1 and 2 had been more meticulous in my measurement of colours. ‘Treedom 3’ came like an avalanche to the canvas.

"Treedom 3’ came like an avalanche to the canvas."

My friends had been quietly observing the piece from across the room during my opening event. They pointed our the many faces and bodies of men peering from the branches of the tree. As I took a closer look they began to emerge. In truth, I hadn't noticed them before.

I've experienced things in my lifetime that point towards the unseen world which none can successfully identify or explain. Is there another realm that we cannot see except in dreams and trances and in creative passage?

I leave you to ponder it all. How many faces do you see in Treedom?

Take a Closer Look at Treedom

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

My art is an expression of stories that awaken dreams and keep them alive. I love vibrant colours and the freedom of allowing imagination to seep through reality.

Explore my artwork in the interest of feeding your own dreams and keeping them alive. Discover landscapes, trees, scenes from lands such as India and Portugal. Choose from original paintings in a variety of sizes or a range of prints including some limited editions.

See something you like, get in touch and make it yours.

Choose Inspiration for your Home

Art Bank Fun | Exhibition 2017

Solstice Group Exhibition | Art Bank Bunclody

Joy! That's the most apt word that describes all visits to Art Bank Bunclody in Co. Wexford.

I'm proud to exhibit amongst the variety of talented artists on display in the latest 'Solstice' themed exhibition from July 21st until August 23rd 2017.

Inclusivity and community are at the heart of all creative endeavours at Art Bank whose leading members are setting ambitious goals to change the way art is received and experienced not just in this part of Wexford, but in all of Ireland.

Opening Night Fun

Opening night was full of fun and co-incided with the launch of 'The Streams of Bunclody' festival.

'Evening Tide' from my 'Sacred Lives of Trees' collection will be displayed alongside works of artist friends such as Trudi Doyle, Mary Wallace, Martina Furlong, Elwira Bernaciak and Valerie James.

So what did we get up to on opening night?

Well the dodgey policeman sure had everyone talking! (;

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

My art is an expression of stories that awaken dreams and keep them alive. I love vibrant colours and the freedom of allowing imagination to seep through reality.

See something you like, get in touch, make it yours!

Explore Art of Caroline

Fine Framers Art Exhibition | Summer 2017

Honoured to be among the first local artists to be invited to exhibit at Fine Framers Carlow at their fabulous store on the Wexford Road out of Carlow town.

Show-casing Art of Caroline:

My 'Ed O'Connell' portrait is there, the one that was curated by Carlow Arts Festival, for display on the county Post Office as part of the Pure Thinking community project.

Also on show, a selection of paintings form The Sacred Lives of Trees, along with a selection of life drawings.

Take the opportunity to view my art work up close. Fine Framers will have experts on hand to help you choose the perfect frame to suit your home decor.

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

My art is an expression of stories that awaken dreams and keep them alive. I love vibrant colours and the freedom of allowing imagination to seep through reality.

See something you like, get in touch, make it yours!

Explore Art of Caroline

Almost Nationwide | Shaws Carlow | Art Festival

Nationwide at Last

Remember that Shaws radio advert back in the day? ‘Shaws! Almost nationwide!’In some typical Irish banter with friends, we en-acted the scenario of a Carlovian emigrant eager to know about things back home: ‘tell me this....did Shaws ever make it nationwide?’

Many Carlovians have grown up with Shaws department store at the heart of their shopping experience. A family owned business in its fourth generation, since Henry Shaw first opened its doors in 1864, it seems they have indeed ‘made it nationwide’, with stores in 16 locations across Ireland.

The new tag line for adverts: ‘Shaws, your complete department store!’

Art Show Case | 2017

Shaws Carlow have traditionally featured the work of a local artist during Carlow Arts Festival in June and this year, I'm delighted to have my work featured in their windows.

As you stroll through Tullow Street, watch out for a sample of my paintings from ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’ collection, along with a selection of my limited edition prints.

Gift a Ganga Dreaming Limited Edition

Art Prints | Choose Size & Budget

Open Edition Prints | Lot of Options

Sometimes it's the size that matters and the price too and that's where art prints at my Fine Art America shop can be most efficient in providing you with exactly what you want.

A print on demand service, with print houses worldwide, my online print shop at Fine Art America offers many options for obtaining a piece of my artwork at the price of your choosing.

It's even possible to choose the type of paper or canvas on which to print the artwork. I particularly like 'Somerset Velvet' paper for my art prints. You'll also discover a range of customisable products such as tote-bags and phone covers.

Robin prints available in different sizes

Give the Gift of Winter Robin

"Art is important in our lives, it connects us to our dreams and can positively affect our well-being."
Art of Caroline Cunningham

Greetings Cards | Art of Caroline

Explore my range of greetings cards, in high quality finish, each one accompanied by a crisp white envelope. You have the option to personalise the cards with a greeting of your own or leave blank.

Gifts for All Occasions:

My open edition prints provide ideas for gifts for all occasions as well as nice treats for yourself. Check out the full range of options in my online shop at Fine Art America. I've created a guide to shopping the site to make things even more simple.

Choose Gifts for All Occasions

Amongst Trees | Lessons for Graceful Living

Body Language of Trees

Their shape, the movement of their lines, it's part of what captures my imagination when observing the beauty of trees. Their twists and turns, their stretchings out of tall exuberant branches, there’s a story in every nook and hollow of a tree. They reveal a body language of their own.

I also love that science provides deeper tales of the lives of trees and the conditions they’ve experienced.

There's so much to be discovered by being present with nature, which is precisely why I love being amongst trees.

Tree Therapy

When stress and anxiety have settled in, being present takes more practice. Finding soothing company in people is not always possible as so many are filled with stresses of their own. Relief is a necessary thing.

Being amongst trees provides lessons in living gracefully. They are an intelligent system of which we are a part. They're strongly rooted to the earth while cleansing our atmosphere with their style of breathing in and out. Amongst trees I nurture a sense of balance, security and the restoration of energy.

Acquire a Graceful Limited Edition

Altamont Tree

My painting 'Altamont Tree' is inspired by a tree near the lake in Altamont Gardens, outside Tullow, Co. Carlow. It's part of the collection of paintings called 'The Sacred Lives of Trees'.

While the original painting has been claimed, it's possible to avail of a limited edition giclee print. Visit my online gallery shop to find out the exact details and to place your order.

Acquire a Graceful Limited Edition

The Whisperings of Nature - Book Launch

Daring to be Authentic Has Many Benefits for Yourself & Others

Creative expression is good for us, it helps us to understand who we are and connects us with others. In addition, by daring to be authentic you pave the way for others to allow their authenticity to come through. Being authentic gives you access to greater wellbeing.

The stories I tell here through my blogs are about the journey of daring to be more authentic. These are stories of healing, recovery and empowerment. I value what I’ve learned on this journey, I call it my Authentic Path.

After a lot of transformative work, I reached a point where I dared to step into the spot-light to not only exhibit my paintings but also to launch my books. Thanks to Carlow Library I had access to a beautiful space to host the visitors who attended my launch and poetry recital. Walks along beaches, time spent in forests, moon-gazing from city roof-tops and far away travels have provided inspiration for the poetry in my first book.

"The Whisperings of Nature' is a collection of 15 nature inspired poems which have appeal for nature lovers seeking wisdom, comfort and inspiration from the beauty that is found in Nature."

We are Holistic Review for The Whisperings of Nature

Connecting Inwards & Restoring Calm

I have found nature poems useful for helping me to switch off from the busy world, allowing me to connect inwards to restore calm. My book is a useful for setting the scene for meditation and it is a nice gift idea for someone who appreciates nature.

Purchase The Whisperings of Nature Today

The Chosen Ones | The Sacred Lives of Trees

After a whole collection of Sacred Tree paintings completed, which ones would be most admired, chosen and cherished?

Thoughout my exhibition tour, thesee were the ones most admired: 'Treedom', 'Evening Tide', 'Loves Light Upon Us' and 'Gaurdians'. Other paintings had more individual response from viewers.

My buyers chose differently during my launch event; 'Sacred Tree' was the first to be snapped up.

'Tree's Of The Golden Dawn' was next to be claimed, followed by 'Sacred Universe', whose owner was besotted before the painting was even completed.

I invite you to honour the natural world by enhancing your workplace or home with a colourful tree painting or print.

The Sacred Tree | Prints

Sacred Universe | Prints

Trees of the Golden Dawn | Limited Edition

The Sacred Lives of Trees:

Trees have been instrumental in my healing journey. My exhibition tour of The Sacred Lives of Trees was a huge success in giving people the opportunity to express the relevance of trees in their lives.

While many of the orginals have been claimed there are still a few to choose from along with a selection of prints and limited edition options. Explore my on-line gallery to choose your favourite tree painting. Get in touch and make it yours.

Select a Sacred Tree Painting or Print

That Day In The Forest

That Day in the Forest

I remember that day in the forest,
Savouring a sense of pride,
After taking the leap of faith.

Called to honour trees, to give voice to others
Who silently appreciate their healing capacity in their own lives.
I could have ignored those nudges,
Too daunting to consider.
When I listened to my heart and took the plunge,
It felt right.

The Sacred Lives of Trees,
The biggest collection of paintings I'd ever created.
I was in the infancy stage of exhibiting my art work.
Once a teacher of maths and science, hah!
Leaving a secure job and career is not an easy thing to do.
There's no safety net when you pursue an artistic path
Courage is required.
But there is one surety,
Priceless riches of mind and spirit.

I remember that day in the forest,
Wondering who would come to my exhibition.
I’d already had a successful crowd-funding campaign
To generate awareness for my launch.
The support I experienced was tremendous.
It was like hearing trees talking back to me
Through the people who applauded my efforts.

That day in the forest, I thought about the adventure of it all,
The gigantic butterflies that had lived in my tummy for months,
Putting me on the edge of my seat.
The mystics said it was a good sign,
They called it ‘an opening'
An 'expansion of the soul'.
It felt like a never-ending fright.
I stuck with it and completed my mission.

Here I am standing in the forest,
Days before my exhibition,
With a lot of love in my heart,
Soaking up the positive energy of the adventure
And paying homage to
The Sacred Lives of Trees.

Caroline Cunningham Author & Artist & Coach

Authentic Path Inspiration

Following your Authentic Path takes courage. Often we need some inspiration and guidance on our way to becoming more open and purposeful. Trees have been instrumental as healers in my own journey. I invite you to check out my paintings and prints from The Sacred Lives of Trees collection. Add vibrancy of colour and nature inspiration to your home or workspace or consider adding my tree art to your gift list for special celebrations.

Select Art Work from
The Sacred Lives of Trees Collection

The Ones | Meet The Sacred Trees

One dream, one leap of faith inspired by the sacred tree wisdom, and one truly grateful artist reflecting on the success that is 'The Sacred Lives of Trees'.

Tour Launch | 2016

The Sacred Lives of Trees exhibition tour launched at Carlow Library in winter of 2016.

This collection of colourful paintings is my way of paying tribute to the solace and wisdom I've received from nature and trees in particular.

I'd been accumulating ideas for this collectoin as far back as 2007. Timing is everything, I'm largely a self-funded artist. I've made my own luck through committment, diligence and being of service to others. It paid off.

Amidst global turmoil, visitors to the exhibition noted that now, more than ever, our connection with nature is vital.
Art of Caroline Cunningham

Sponsorship & Homage to Trees

Through my social media networkings I attracted sponsorship and funding from wonderful kind-hearted people from far and near. People pledged funds in return for purchase vouchers, one business sponsored my invites, others promoted my event and a friend provided food for my launch. This was a demonstration of love for trees and appreciation for the work that went into to bringing this message to the fore.

Throughout all stages of my campaign and exhibitions I witnessed a homage to trees by people from all walks of life and some whom I had never connected with previously. Amidst global turmoil, visitors to the exhibition noted that now, more than ever, our connection with nature is vital.

The Sacred Tree paintings are finding their way into loving homes. My on-line gallery awaits new owners of paintings and limited edition prints.

Join me in a virtual tour and immerse yourself in some of that magicial energy captured below.

Choose One | The Sacred Lives of Trees

Embrace The In Between

Books of Poetry and Calm:

Art Print Gifts for All Occasions:

Limited Edition Prints:

Art of Caroline Original Paintings:

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

Solstice Group Exhibition | Art Bank Bunclody

Opening Night Fun

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

Show-casing Art of Caroline:

Add Colour & Inspiration to Your Life

Nationwide at Last

Art Show Case | 2017

Open Edition Prints | Lot of Options

Greetings Cards | Art of Caroline

Gifts for All Occasions:

Body Language of Trees

Tree Therapy

Altamont Tree

Daring to be Authentic Has Many Benefits for Yourself & Others

Maria Lehtman, The Digital Teacup, Finland

Krystal’s Journal, Cork, Ireland

Craig U.S.A.

William Boone, Wild Wilful Heart, Author, U.S.A.

Sinead O’Gorman, Actor, Wexford, Ireland

Brenda Bergin, Seniorpreneurs Ireland

Jonathon King, Poet & Humanitarian, Ireland

Connecting Inwards & Restoring Calm

The Sacred Lives of Trees:

That Day in the Forest

Authentic Path Inspiration

Tour Launch | 2016

Sponsorship & Homage to Trees