Sonia Cornwall is considered one of British Columbia Cariboo region's most important artists. Her paintings embrace more than just it's natural beauty, but continue to portray the cattle ranching way of life - her life, that helped to shape and define the character of this vast interior region. Raised in an atmosphere of privilege, privately educated, at age 19 Sonia turned away from a promising career in fine arts and decided to become a cattle rancher at the family's Onward Ranch. This was a tough life, but she loved it: working outdoors. In winters, to get cigarette money she would hunt and trap for furs. The cowboys and other ranchhands treated Sonia as an equal.

In 1946, A.Y.Jackson visited the Onward and his encouragement rekindled her interest and studies in painting. Over the years their friendship grew and he became her mentor. By the mid 1960's, with her children grown, Sonia devoted herself to painting the life she knew and the land she loves. Although her paintings have always sold well, Sonia has only painted for herself and that honesty and intimacy comes through in her art.