Lenny Foster’s The Magnolia Season captures the ethereal beauty of this timeless Southern bloom. Long celebrated as a quintessential symbol of the American South, magnolias embody nature at its most elegant. In St. Augustine, the most common species is Magnolia Grandiflora, and some of the city’s oldest specimens—living landmarks—are between 80 and 120 years old. These majestic trees have stood as silent witnesses to decades of local history, deepening their cultural and historical significance. For generations, residents and visitors have created lasting memories beneath their sweeping branches and striking blossoms.

Foster’s seven-year photographic study of the magnolia has yielded dozens of fine art images capturing the flower’s intrinsic beauty throughout its lifecycle. Despite its abundance in the region, the magnolia is often overlooked as one of nature’s great masterpieces. Foster’s work challenges this perception by presenting the flower in compositions that are simple yet sublime. His images include hand-held blossoms, luminous white-on-white portraits, stark monochromatic studies set against deep black backgrounds, and intimate close-ups revealing the intricate textures of petals and leaves. The Magnolia Season is a visual feast of texture, light, and form, showcasing Foster’s mastery behind the lens. Each image elevates the magnolia beyond its simple physical beauty to evoke a quiet reverence for the spirit of the South.

About Lightner Local

Created to showcase the extraordinary talents of artists who live in the Northeast and Central Florida regions, Lightner Local is supported by the Benjamin and Jean Troemel Arts Foundation.