What is a Tony Foster Journey?
British artist Tony Foster’s body of work includes nineteen watercolor “Journeys”—Foster’s unique art form. The series of paintings includes diary notes and symbolic objects or “souvenirs” made with the intention to reveal wild places or explore a specific idea or theme. These Journeys may have a specific geographic focus or be global in scope.
First viewing of The Whole Salmon, Salmon River, Idaho, 2002.
Since 1982, Foster has undertaken nineteen “Journeys”—painting projects based on a wilderness theme that are comprised of ten to fifty paintings. These Journeys often involve multiple expeditions and can take years to complete. Foster’s major 19th Journey, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective, was begun in 2007 and completed in 2025.
Foster’s Journeys have included subjects ranging from mountains and canyons, rainforests and deserts, the Arctic and the tropics, to volcanoes, coral reefs, and such iconic natural areas such as the Grand Canyon and Mount Everest. Foster frequently endures harsh weather and challenging travel conditions to reach and document remote sites. Between trips, Foster resides in the Cornish village of Tywardreath, England.
See a list of all of Tony Foster’s Journeys.
Tony Connects
Tony Foster’s artworks are often influenced and enabled by relationships he has developed over time with individuals, advisors, and others he has met on his travels.
Tony develops lasting friendships, not only with his travel companions but also with people he meets along his journeys.
Tony’s friendships with fellow travelers, luminaries, scientists, and others span the years.
Tony visited Honduras in 2001 as part of his WaterMarks Journey. While there, he was inspired to fund a school and clinic, which continues to thrive.
Over his multiple painting trips to the Himalayas, Tony has developed lasting friendships with Sherpas and their families. After the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal, Foster raised funds through his artwork to support recovery efforts.
Tony Foster and Penan elder tribesman Nyapun share a laugh together, Mulu, Borneo, February/March 2015. Photo by Alison Pritchard
Tony met Professor Winslow Briggs and family on John Muir’s High Serra trail in 1986. They were companions for Grand Canyon and Arid Lands Journeys, and Tony maintains friendships with the Briggs family today.
Tony Foster (far right) and companions, Honduras, 2001.
Tony Foster shares tea, Tibet, 2007. Photo by Kurt Ohms