Hugh Foster: An Artists Journey

Bayley Arts is delighted to feature watercolours by Hugh Foster spanning the artist’s career. The exhibition follows Foster’s personal journey from discovering his passion for watercolour to seeking the rich ochres and enduring beauty of the Australian bush. Inspired by artists Albert Namatjira and David Taylor, the exhibition documents the artists travels to the Pilbara, Central Australia and Flinders Ranges, including studies of Melbourne’s Bayside coast.

Opening event Friday 14th March 6pm

To be opened by David Taylor

Meet the Artist

Saturday 15th March and 22nd March 11am to 4pm

Bayley Arts Gallery Open

Mon – Fri 9am to 4pm

Hugh Foster

“Painting has become for me not so much as an adjunct to life but a way of life” – Hugh Foster

Born and raised in an outer seaside suburb of Melbourne, Hugh Foster was awarded a fitting and turning apprenticeship with GMH and studied engineering at night, graduating with a degree.

His early passion for drawing was put on hold while he earned a living, established a successful engineering business and expressed his creativity by redesigning and manufacturing components.

Hugh could have stopped right there, and lived a very good life until he retired, but it wasn’t enough. It was seeing Albert Namatjira prints that lit the fuse. As soon as working life slowed down and he could afford the time, Hugh began to focus on mastering watercolours and took up lessons from renowned watercolour artist David Taylor.

With invitations from Taylor to join him on local and overseas painting trips, everything began to mesh. His technique evolved, and Hugh began to envision a future for himself in the arts, one that resonated with the path his heart always longed to follow. Painting has become for me not so much as an adjunct to life but a way of life.

His knowledge and passion for the Australian bush, with its subtle shades of color and shifting shadows, have served as a continual source of subject matter. Numerous trips with Taylor to regions such as the Pilbara, Central Australia, and the Flinders Ranges broadened his palette and tested his ability to capture the dynamic outback light and rich ochres characteristic of the Australian landscape.

Hugh continues to find inspiration and connection from his local neighbourhood, particularly the beachscapes of Bayside. He has participated in several group exhibitions and prizes and has held two solo exhibitions. His works are held in private collections nationally and overseas.