"Who’s your favourite artist?" I asked a friend of mine. "You!" was their prompt reply. While it's always nice to receive a compliment I remained curious and I reflected on the artists who had made an impression on my own development in the visual arts.
Jack B. Yeats (1871 1957)
I've always loved Jack B. Yeats paintings at the National Gallery of Ireland. I'm intrigued by his later ‘expressionist’ work, his experimental approach and disregard for rules.
Stories come alive in sensational colour and enticing textures arousing curiosity and prompting the viewer to move around to assess all perspectives.
Jack's fluidity and daring attitude are most appealing. His ‘Morning in a City’ (c.1937), ‘About to Write a Letter’ (1935) and ‘The Liffey Swim’ (1920) are my amongst my favourites.
When creating Dancer, from Birth of a City collection, I unleashed some daring of my own, giving life to my version of the Liffey at Dublin's Hal'penny Brdge.
"Society does not always recognise the masters that are rising in their midst."
Caroline Cunningham | On the Impressonists
St. Stephens Green (Sold)
Monet & Friends
National Art Gallery officially celebrated the opening of its Millenium Wing in year 2000 by hosting of the works of The Impressionists (1860s-1880's).
My eyes were like new as I cast them upon these famous patintings. The visual experience was so vibrant it felt like the artwork had arrived freshly painted from a devine place.
I was in awe of the mastery of Monet's work, his absolute attention to detail and true conviction of what could be achieved regardless of what others might think or say.
This group of painters taught me an invaluable lesson in being true to your heart (and art) rather than the accepted 'norms' of a society that does not always recognise the master that are rising in their midst.
Harry Clarke, a remarkable Irish artist, started out in book illustration and transferred his genius imagination and unique style to staining glass windows, portraying fantasy worlds that are truly magical.
Despite a short life, due to illness, he leaves a legacy of exquisite works around Ireland and world-wide.
I've been a regular visitor to the Hugh Lane Gallery (Dublin) to immerse myself in his story of 'The Eve of St. Agnes' (1924), inspired by a poem of the same title by poet John Keats. The work was orignially commissioned for Harold Jacob (owner of a reknowned biscuit factory) for his private home.
Sacred Universe is my homage to Harry Clarke who remains top of my list of favourite Irish artists.
Sacred Universe | The Sacred Lives of Trees (Sold)
Art Travel Beyond Ireland
‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt (1862 – 1918) was the purpose of my trip to Vienna. I indulged in the sensuality of his works, the rich shimmering gold displays and intricate designs, adorning the lofty feminine forms.
I found his women intimidating and remote. Could it be that this was their coping mechanism for being female in a world that doesn't always favour our kind? I had a long way to go to find my own coping mechanisms so I afforded Klimt's women some compassion.
"This was the stuff of dreams, imagination and simplicity."
Caroline Cunningham, | On 'The Rooftops of Barcelona' by Pablo Picasso
I'm not a fan of Picasso's (1881-1973) ‘Cubism’ style, however ‘The Roofs of Barcelona’ (1902) remains strong in my mind after my visit to the Picasso museum in Barcelona This was the stuff of dreams, imagination and simplicity.
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Through my art and writing I share stories and inspiration for transformation, healing and dreams turning to reality. When you visit my gallery you glimpse my journey, my authentic path. It took a ‘Break True’ moment to point me towards developing my artistic talents. It’s never too late to make a new start. I’ve achieved a lot in a relatively short time. My work has been presented in New York as part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, has been displayed on county Post Office and has been show-cased on National TV. Read more about my art journey here.
Testimonials
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Multi-talented & Down to Earth
Caroline is a multi-talented artist and one of the most down to earth people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Her work in reflexology is second to none. She is completely dedicated to the well being of her clients. Caroline’s singing is truly magnificent, and an experience that the world really needs to prepare for.
Fran Malone, Hypnotherapy, Cork, Dublin, Ireland
Tremendously Talented & Authentic Soul
Caroline is an incredible artist, her grace and beauty are reflected in her work which is a real treat. I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing Caroline sing in Hebrew, she is a tremendously talented singer. Caroline is a really authentic soul who is not afraid to be herself and I so admire that about her.
Caroline is a gifted artist with so many additional talents. Caroline’s gift with words offers her readers to travel with her. This is an artist I will be following closely. It was an honour for me to support Caroline in reaching her ‘Fund-It’ target for her art exhibition ‘The Sacred Lives Of Trees’.
Brenda Bergin, Seniorpreneurs Ireland
Renaissance Woman
Caroline has many talents and will be able to write a beautiful poem, paint a lovely picture and even sing at your wedding. Her travel writing stories are captivating. She is certainly a renaissance woman and if you have her to do anything for you she will put her all into it and make sure you are happy with the finished product.
Jackie De Sousa, London, UK
A Great Affinity with Earth & Humanity
I love Caroline’s art which conveys a peaceful, deep understanding of the essence of place, through colours, fluid shapes and perfect light, evoking smell, time of day and her connection with nature.
Read more...
Caroline is also a talented writer, sharing her experiences in an easy to read style. Her honesty and interest in the simple, everyday details and lives of other cultures is compelling and revealing. She shows a great affinity with humanity and the earth we inhabit.
Sinead O’Gorman, Historian & Actress, Wexford, Ireland
A Fund of Talent
In representing the Carlow Association of London at the St Patrick’s Parade in New York in 2015 it was my role to make a presentation to Carlow Association of New York. I wanted something special to show the link between Carlow, New York and London.
Read more...
I contacted Caroline by phone a few days prior to the visit & soon the painting entitled ‘Mind the Gap’ was born. It was well received in New York as was her poem of the same title. I cannot recommend Caroline highly enough. She’s a fund of talent with great ability in going that extra bit further.
John Nolan, Carlow London Association, UK
Powerful & Magical Piece of Art
I love art and I’m the privileged owner of Caroline’s ‘Break true’. Caroline has uncannily captured in a most beautiful way, a woman breaking through the ties of her life and reaching for freedom. It’s now a daily reminder of the strength I found within to change my life. A truly powerful and magical piece of art which I will always treasure for many personal reasons. Caroline has many gifts to share with the world and I wish her success in all that she does.
Teresa McGrath, Hypnotherapy, Dublin, Ireland
Vibrant & Radiant
Caroline’s use of colour makes even a naked winter tree look vibrant and radiates in any room graced with her art.
Caroline’s ‘Break True’ art piece is so well defined even in it’s title, representing a moment of awakening. It’s a striking work depicting true nature, light and shadow and the courage it takes to push through with authenticity. I’m also the proud owner of Caroline’s artwork & books and she is featured in my own book entitled Dreaming Doors.
Maria Lehtman, Author & Digital Influencer, Finland
Multi-talented & Down to Earth
Caroline is a multi-talented artist and one of the most down to earth people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Her work in reflexology is second to none. She is completely dedicated to the well being of her clients. Caroline’s singing is truly magnificent, and an experience that the world really needs to prepare for.
Fran Malone, Hypnotherapy, Cork, Dublin, Ireland
Tremendously Talented & Authentic Soul
Caroline is an incredible artist, her grace and beauty are reflected in her work which is a real treat. I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing Caroline sing in Hebrew, she is a tremendously talented singer. Caroline is a really authentic soul who is not afraid to be herself and I so admire that about her.
Caroline is a gifted artist with so many additional talents. Caroline’s gift with words offers her readers to travel with her. This is an artist I will be following closely. It was an honour for me to support Caroline in reaching her ‘Fund-It’ target for her art exhibition ‘The Sacred Lives Of Trees’.
Brenda Bergin, Seniorpreneurs Ireland
Renaissance Woman
Caroline has many talents and will be able to write a beautiful poem, paint a lovely picture and even sing at your wedding. Her travel writing stories are captivating. She is certainly a renaissance woman and if you have her to do anything for you she will put her all into it and make sure you are happy with the finished product.
Jackie De Sousa, London, UK
A Great Affinity with Earth & Humanity
I love Caroline’s art which conveys a peaceful, deep understanding of the essence of place, through colours, fluid shapes and perfect light, evoking smell, time of day and her connection with nature.
Read more...
Caroline is also a talented writer, sharing her experiences in an easy to read style. Her honesty and interest in the simple, everyday details and lives of other cultures is compelling and revealing. She shows a great affinity with humanity and the earth we inhabit.
In representing the Carlow Association of London at the St Patrick’s Parade in New York in 2015 it was my role to make a presentation to Carlow Association of New York. I wanted something special to show the link between Carlow, New York and London.
Read more...
I contacted Caroline by phone a few days prior to the visit & soon the painting entitled ‘Mind the Gap’ was born. It was well received in New York as was her poem of the same title. I cannot recommend Caroline highly enough. She’s a fund of talent with great ability in going that extra bit further.
John Nolan, Carlow London Association, UK
Powerful & Magical Piece of Art
I love art and I’m the privileged owner of Caroline’s ‘Break true’. Caroline has uncannily captured in a most beautiful way, a woman breaking through the ties of her life and reaching for freedom. It’s now a daily reminder of the strength I found within to change my life. A truly powerful and magical piece of art which I will always treasure for many personal reasons. Caroline has many gifts to share with the world and I wish her success in all that she does.
Teresa McGrath, Hypnotherapy, Dublin, Ireland
Vibrant & Radiant
Caroline’s use of colour makes even a naked winter tree look vibrant and radiates in any room graced with her art.
Caroline’s ‘Break True’ art piece is so well defined even in it’s title, representing a moment of awakening. It’s a striking work depicting true nature, light and shadow and the courage it takes to push through with authenticity. I’m also the proud owner of Caroline’s artwork & books and she is featured in my own book entitled Dreaming Doors.
Maria Lehtman, Author & Digital Influencer, Finland
Enjoy easy online shopping at Fine Art America. Sip coffee in the comfort of your home while exporing my range of unique art prints and lifestyle products. Choose from art prints in a range of sizes on canvas or on a variety of papers. It's also possible to customise life-style products such as tote bags, […]
In the lead up to Carlow Art Festival in 2015, a group of artists came together under the banner of the Pure Thinking community. They set about drawing larger than life portraits of their chosen inspirational Carlow people for display on the exterior panels of Carlow County Post Office. "The Carlow Arts Festival’s committee curated the portraits […]
When all the work was done, I wanted to find out which paintings would be most admired, chosen and cherished. During my exhibition featuring 'The Sacred Lives Of Trees' collection, the paintings that received the most admiration were 'Treedom', 'Evening Tide', 'Loves Light Upon Us' and 'Gaurdians'. Other paintings had more individual admirers, we are […]