Christopher Foster Blog No.1 Intro

Hello and welcome!

It is such an honor to be part of this amazing community and to work alongside such talented and inspiring artists. I am primarily a mixed media artist, working in watercolor, gouache, inks, and graphic design, with a focus on illustration. My inspiration often comes from botanical studies, fantasy, and sci-fi themes. I began making art in elementary school and continued through college, eventually becoming a co-founder of The Art Collective International (ACI) a few years later.

Creating art, for me, is more than just a practice—it’s a way to center myself and find meaning in life’s small moments. Each piece is an attempt to capture and share quiet observations, subtle details, and fleeting beauty that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s the way light catches a leaf, the gentle curve of a flower petal, or the imagined movement of fantastical creatures, I strive to bring these moments to life. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to pause, notice, and appreciate the subtle wonders in their own surroundings, fostering a sense of mindfulness and connection through art.

One of my greatest passions within my practice is miniature painting. I love the focus and precision it demands—the way even the tiniest brushstroke can convey texture, depth, or emotion. Working on a miniature scale forces me to slow down, observe with care, and consider every detail. It’s a meditative process that teaches patience and attention, and I find immense joy in seeing a small, intricate piece come alive. Miniature painting also allows me to experiment in ways larger formats may not, creating highly detailed, delicate pieces that captivate both the eye and imagination.

Transitioning from traditional art to digital art has been both exciting and challenging. While digital tools offer incredible flexibility, speed, and the ability to experiment without consequence, learning to replicate the tactile feel of physical media digitally can be difficult. Brushstrokes, textures, and color blending behave differently on a screen, requiring an adjustment in mindset and technique. There’s a learning curve to mastering layers, digital brushes, and software nuances, but it has ultimately expanded my capabilities as an artist and opened new avenues for creative expression.

The journey of making art hasn’t always been smooth. I’ve encountered harsh critiques, periods of artist’s block, and times when I needed to step back and reevaluate my practice. Yet, each challenge has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, patience, and self-trust. Learning to embrace mistakes as part of the creative process, rather than obstacles, has been transformative. Every painting, sketch, or miniature is a reflection of a small part of myself shared with the world, a reminder that dedication, focus, and persistence can turn even the tiniest ideas into meaningful expressions. The growth I’ve experienced along the way reinforces that creating art is not just about the finished piece—it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the personal evolution that comes with showing up for your craft every day.

Art is my center, my joy, and my way of connecting with others. Through mixed media, miniature painting, and digital experimentation, I hope to continue sharing a piece of the world as I see it, inspiring others to notice the beauty in the small things and encouraging fellow artists to embrace their own unique journey.