February 3 - 27
BARNS AND BRIDLES
Lynda Cunningham - Sunderland
Oil paintings portraying the power of horses in harness and the simple beauty of rural life.
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 4, 7-8:30 pm
Exhibit Closes - Saturday February 27 at 2 pm
Artist’s Statement
Natural settings inspire my paintings -- the timbers and fieldstone of a barn, horses in harness and sheep in the winter looking for some extra warmth.
I am fascinated with the contrast of light and dark, how the late winter sun streaming in an open barn door illuminates steam that is rising from a ewe’s back and shadows from harness dance across a horse’s gleaming coat.
The main focus of my art is horses. The first time I saw horses plowing, I felt like I had come home. I realized I was witnessing a partnership that went back centuries. I admire the amount of skill and patience needed by both the teamsters and their teams. I truly believe working the land with horses is an art, the admiration I have for those who chose to follow this way of life is reflected in my paintings.
My barn is my muse. For over a century,it has withstood wind and rain, sheltered animals and the hay to feed them. As the ewes call out as I enter and the horses wait for their grain, I am content with the knowledge that something of our rural past is still valued on my farm.
Lynda Cunningham
Artist’s Biography
Lynda Cunningham was born in Scarborough, Ontario where her affinity for animals and art quickly became apparent. A move in her early teens to the countryside north of Toronto nurtured her love for rural living.
After moving to a small farm in the Sunderland area, her artwork and love of rural living were easily combined with family life. She has maintained a small menagerie of animals ever since, and they are a constant theme in her art.
With no formal training, Lynda’s work focuses on the pastoral scenes surrounding her home.
Lynda shows regularly in southern Ontario, including the Buckhorn Art Festival, the Uxbridge Studio Tour and the Fall Art Sale at the McMichael Gallery in Kleinburg.
In 2008, Lynda had the honour of being elected as a member of the Ontario Society of Artists.
