Bruce Lyndon Cunningham, the Forester-Artist

Bruce Lyndon Cunningham is internationally known as the “Forester-Artist.” Many Texas Master Naturalists know him as the illustrator of five identification books including Trees, Shrubs & Woody Vines of East Texas and Gymnosperms of the United States & Canada. The books are used by botanists, naturalists, foresters, plant lovers and educators. They contain illustrations, glossary terms, and identification keys. The books are excellent reference sources and a great self-teacher when used as a field manual. The Gymnosperms book took six years to produce and includes 115 species. It took Cunningham one year to research the book, then five years to complete the illustrations and maps. In 2012, the Gymnosperms book was nominated for the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries’ international award for outstanding literature in botany or horticulture.

Cunningham is working on a new book to be released later this year. It will be titled Ferns and Herbaceous Flowering Plants of East Texas. It will be the only comprehensive book of its kind. It will include 1800 species – ten times more than his previous largest book! It is also being authored with Dr. Elray Nixon who does the writing.

Cunningham lives in Nacogdoches where he has a studio and gallery. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Master of Art degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He laughingly says that he came to Nacogdoches for school and never left. While studying forestry there, his artistic ability was discovered and unleashed. His botanical illustrations combine his knowledge of trees and artistic talent for a unique style. His illustrations are beautiful, comprehensive, scientific, helpful and purposeful.

He grew up in Texas and Germany, moving frequently with a father in the Army. While his family resided in Germany, they visited the museums of Europe and he has vivid memories of seeing the paintings of the great masters of art. His love of trees came from trips in Europe and also to Arizona with his father. He loved to draw as a child. His unique education helped him overcome dyslexia. He believes that drawing helps to retain information. Research backs up this concept as did our experience in his class held on July 10 at Caddo Mounds State Historical Site.

Cunningham also does wood carvings. He sells his art and carvings at the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. He got started in wood carving by offering to do a carving for his church. He has a heart for ministry for folks in assisted living where he leads Bible Study and church services. He desires for his art to give glory to God.

Cunningham teaches Woody Plant Art Classes on identification and drawing woody plants. Texas Master Naturalists Elissa Fletcher and Julie Vickers attended his class on July 10, 2015 at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site. We drew samples en plein air from 5-6 woody species in the shade of a large Black Walnut tree. Observing and focusing on the details of the plants, experiencing the bees buzzing, the wind blowing, tasting the Mustang Grapes on the vine, made our drawings more memorable. We used our five senses to see, hear, feel, taste and smell some of the plants.

To see or purchase Cunningham’s books, art, posters, notecards and wood carvings, visit his website at www.forester-artist.com. You will want to put these on your wish list for birthday or holiday gifts. He is a member of the American Society for Botanical Artists (www.asba-art.org) and has been honored by being commissioned to create paintings which were given to Presidents George W. Bush (2005) and George H. Bush (1990).