This painter has a growing international reputation for his almost mystical works, writes Barbara Waite

Great British Life: The Green Woman. She symbolises spring, a beautiful time in the Ribble Valley. It was bought by a collector in Canada.The Green Woman. She symbolises spring, a beautiful time in the Ribble Valley. It was bought by a collector in Canada. (Image: not Archant)

The beautiful landscape of Bowland is an inspiration to a host of artists, but for Edward Foster it produces and almost spiritual feeling.

Living and working near the village of Waddington, he has been painting for 20 years – 15 of them as a professional and during this time he has developed an international following with his original oil paintings and prints which sell as far afield as the USA and Canada.

Great British Life: Edwards depiction of him is not as an archetypal Green Man but rather of a human who is also part of nature. Autumn dominates in the picture.Edwards depiction of him is not as an archetypal Green Man but rather of a human who is also part of nature. Autumn dominates in the picture. (Image: not Archant)

Self-taught, his visionary style is intended to describe a variety of feelings from birdsong and Gaia to the fabled Green Man. Other works are inspired by something spotted by chance in the landscape - a deer at dusk, for instance. As well as painting, Edward teaches at many drawing workshops in and around the Ribble Valley.

For information about his workshops and to see more of his work go to www.edwardfosterart.co.uk