Christine Foster
I am a visual artist who enjoys seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. When I discover that moment I feel compelled to capture it. Capturing the light is essential! When I am in the process of creating I feel timeless – at one with my Creator- and free. My favorite way of painting is plein air, where I paint outside directly at the site. The sounds I hear, the weather I feel and the sights and smells I experience all influence the artwork. Art is about the communication between the artwork, the Creator and the artist, and the art work, the Creator and the observer. Art is not just the end product itself. Art is an expression, an experience and a communication.
People say that my work is “colorful, honest, sincere and radiant.” They called it a “joyful inspiration, full of life and essence.”
I specialize in drawing, oil and watercolor. I graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Art Education. I graduated with a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Bemidji State University. I also have a certficate for online Teaching. I had the privilege of mentoring under Dale Johnson for 5 years. He taught me vision, visual expression and artistic inspiration. I also had the honor of being mentored by Joe Paquet, a nationally renowned artist, for 7 years. He taught me how to see, as well as how to capture value, light, atmosphere and color. He also showed me how to find unity and connectedness in my painting. I have been a working artist for 35 years. I was working as a public school art teacher and substitute teacher for 30 years. I currently am the Art Instructor at Northland College in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
“You were meant to paint. It’s not trivial for you.
You need to honor that.” Joe Paquet
Exhibitions and Awards
Northern Exposure Exhibition (2023)
Hope and Freedom Exhibition (2017, 2018, 2019)
NWMAC Gallery/Riverwalk Artists (2015)
Featured Artist
Northwest MN Arts Exhibit (2011-2026)
People’s Choice Award (2022)
2nd Place (2013)
3rd Place (2012)
Extremely Minnesota Juried Exhibition (2000-2005)
Arts in Harmony National Juried Art Show (1999-2006)
Merit Award (2004)
Honorable Mention (2004)
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Art Exhibit (2003)
Minnesota State Fair Juried Art Show (1990 and 1999)
Heritage Juried Art Exhibition (1994-1999)
Featured Artist (1999)
Spirit Art Show (1999)
Granite Falls Juried Art Exhibition (1993-1997)
2nd Place (1995)
Waterama Regional Fine Arts Show (1993-1994)
1st Place in Oil (1994)
1st Place in Acrylic Painting (1994)
Honorable Mention (1994)
If you would like to purchase my artwork, request a commission, have an author’s visit or artist in residence, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!