I’m blessed with two hands, they assist me in so well, especially in my work as healing therapist and artist. Throughout my studies in both of these realms I took time to focus on their ingenuous make up and power.
Drawing the Hands
In my life-drawing classes at NCAD, our tutor constantly stressed the importance of being able to draw the hands. He would chide us about monuments and paintings we had not yet examined, in particular the statue of James Larkin (Big Jim) that stands in the main street of our capital city.
‘Did you look at his hands?’ he would repeatedly goad us. Larkin is remembered for his role in fighting for the rights of unskilled workers. The sculpture, created by Oisin Kelly, captures his pose from a scene in which he was addressing a crowd.
I had often passed that formidable statue, one day, I stopped for a closer look. The outstretched arms of James Larkin certainly made a striking pose and his hands appeared to be holding up the sky.
So as to put an end to my art tutor's weekly taunts, I took out my sketch book and began to draw a quick impression. Now I had proof that I had looked at the hands of James Larkin. I put my sketch on the wall beside our other homework for class review. The tutor never asked us about James Larkin's hands again.
Now I had that I had looked at the hands of James Larkin.
Art of Caroline
James Larkin O'Connell Street Dublin, Ireland
Authentic Hand | In Private Collection
Self-Portrait of My Own Hand
Part way through my art studies I had to under-go eye surgery for the removal of cataracts from both my eyes, as a result of my history of retinal detachment. I was optimistic as I had the best specialist and surgeon that I could hope for. Within eight days I had two surgeries, one for each eye, resulting in replacement of my natural lens with artificial ones.
Authentic Hand
There were many sensations as a result of my 'new vision'. It was an excitement to the brain to experience the vibrancy of colours that had been dissolving from my vision over time.
I now could see details in the distance that I could't previously see with glasses. My near vision was also new. My brain was undergoing an adjustment to my new artificial lens. Curious about this, I devised a way to test my new sight.
I decided to paint my left hand from life. I painted with my right hand, opening all the tubes of paint before I started, ensuring that I could leave my other hand in place as much as possible, so as not to alter its position. I made some markers so that I could take necessary breaks and return to the exact pose.
That’s how my painting ‘Authentic Hand’ came about. I did not appear to be missing many details. In fact I could even see the veins beneath my skin, as it was quite warm in the glass filled conservatory where I had completed the piece.
Giving Thanks
If you are fortunate to have your two hands, I encourage you to take a moment to look at them more closely and give thanks for the purpose they serve in your life. Through all that skin and density of bone, blood vessels and tissue is the power to enable ourselves, to transmit care, to create wonders and to inspire others.
Do you need a hand choosing a colourful painting for your home or work space? Explore my online gallery, see something you like, get in touch, make it yours today.
The stately beech tree which resided in my parents garden was possibly 200 years old. Graced by the backdrop of a majestic mountain it's presence was powerful and and conjured to the me a kingdom of it's own, which I christened 'Treedom' as far back as 2012.
Treedom has been the inspiration for a number of my paintings in the collection 'The Sacred Lives of Trees'.
"Within its sturdy structures I could see the shape of a warrior with his chest to the east, giving protection to his divine female counterpart, as she danced their dream of love."
Art of Caroline Cunningham
Treedom 1 | Prints Available
Treedom 2 | €480
Treedom 3 | €650
The 1st Treedom Ever
I posted my first Treedom painting in pastel on social media on the eve of New Years Eve in 2014 and by 7am the next morning it was sold to an art buyer in London. My desire to paint Treedom in all it's beauty grew and hence a few more were created.
Interestingly, I could find no other reference to ‘Treedom’ online at the time (I scoured the internet), Treedom was certainly unique. Regardless of my limited financial resources in the years that followed, alongside several other studies and attempts to start a new business, I took a leap of faith and started creating the collection of paintings ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’.
Choose a Treedom for Your Home
Are you ready to add Treedom inspiration to your home? Explore my collection The Sacred Lives of Trees, see a Treedom you like, get in touch and make it yours.
Sadly, as happens to old trees, Treedom finally succumbed to the ravages of Storm Eowyn on the night of January 24th 2025. It had narrowly surrived the a hurricane, Storm Ophelia on 16th October 2017.
The north westerly winds of Eowyn proved to too much as the tree was weakest on it's southern bank. It was sad to see it lying there in the aftermath but, as with any lossl, I cherish all I received from this magnificent tree with it's character and stunning features. RIP Treedom
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.
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).
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.
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.
It's fitting that my art work, inspired by the simplicity of nature, is displayed in a kindred nurturing environment. During November 2017 my solo show runs for two weeks in the Bankers Office at Art Bank in Bunclody, Co. Wexford.
I showcase my painting collection The Sacred Lives of Trees along with my books and art prints. I welcome visitors to step into a magical wooded world featuring paintings such as The In Between, Symphonic Trees and Labyrinth.
My paintings are 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. You will find 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.
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! (;
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, make it yours!
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.
Art of Caroline Cunningham
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.
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, make it yours!
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.
Dawn is breaking, I bath in golden rays of light streaming through the branches of trees with their newly emerging canopy of leaves.
Emerging from the darkness of winter in Ireland, like many, I welcome the morning light and lengthening of days.
'Trees of The Golden Dawn' is inspired by such a spring morning, complete with the sound of birds singing with gusto.
The original painting, part of the collection 'The Sacred Lives of Trees' has already been claimed. Limited edition glicee prints are available, limited to 150.
Exhibiting The Sacred Lives of Trees collection was a huge success, giving people the opportunity to express their sentiments about the relevance of trees in their lives.
Many of the original paintings have been snapped up. There are still ways to claim a piece of artwork from the collection in the form of open and limited edition prints and a few paintings.
Take a moment to visit my online gallery to choose the perfect tree painting for your home or as a special gift for a loved one.
Glengarriff, an Irish village steeped in charm, beauty and heritage, with a unique tropical micro-climate favouring trees and plants not commonly found in Ireland. It also boasts a thriving oak wood forest park.
I adore the benevolence and comforting presence of trees. Weaving my way amongst the palms, bamboos and luscious plants of the town's Bamboo Garden, I was in my element.
Every branch, trunk and stump called out to be absorbed, photographed and preserved. Within me a seed was being sown.
Bamboo Garden, Glengarriff, Co. Cork | Ireland
"This was the moment when I knew I would make tree paintings."
Art of Caroline Cunningham
Discovering Loves Light
On a stone, beneath the canopy, I discovered two little leaves alight with a bursting stream of sunlight. Despite signs of decay setting in, they appeared glorious in the golden light.
This was the moment when I knew I would make tree paintings.
'Loves Light Upon Us; is my signature painting from The Sacred Lives of Trees collection, honouring trees as a source of wisdom, comfort and inspiration.
The original painting has been claimed. However, limited edition prints are available from my online gallery shop.
Choose this art piece as a lovely addition to your home or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one.
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.
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.
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.
The Sacred Lives Of Trees
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.
