Lynda Cunningham

Country life is the inspiration for Lynda’s work, combining her love of rural living with her passion for art. The subjects of Lynda’s oil paintings reflect the rapidly disappearing scenes of rural Ontario and its domestic farm animals. Through her art she recaptures days past, when horses were an integral part of farm life.

“I have always been fascinated with horses, especially those in harness. When I first saw a team plowing, I was amazed at the sheer size and strength of these incredible creatures. 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”

Natural settings are the inspiration for works. Everyday life on the farm finds it way to her canvas, fieldstone walls of her barn and shadows from harness dancing across a horses gleaming coat. Early mornings in the barn, feeding time and the delight of witnessing new life are a constant theme.

In 2008 Lynda received the honor of being elected to the Ontario Society of Artists.

Lynda is a self taught artist, and enjoys working with a variety of media. A kiln and a pottery wheel are recent additions to her studio which is located on her farm. Her children share her love for art. Lynda and her family raise sheep and Clydesdale horses.

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 ewes back, and shadows from harness dance across a horses 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. It is home for the harness hanging on pegs, the sweet smell of the horses’ breath as they eat their hay, and new born lambs as they cry for their mothers. Barn swallows swoop down as I enter, and I am content with the knowledge that something of our rural past is still valued on my farm.

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Lynda Cunningham – Fine Art
By Appointment only:
17111 Ridge Road
Sunderland, ON L0C 1H0
Phone: 705-341-1828
Email: lyndapaintedridge@gmail.com