Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Upex entered the world of painting only after completing a career in teaching and education administration. However, from early childhood she has been drawn to artistic self expression. Upex paints primarily with acrylics, but also works with water colour. Her inspiration to paint finds its source in the natural world and in the people for whom she cares.

Artist Statement

I have always derived great pleasure from my visual surroundings, and while I treasure my other senses, it is the information that I take in through my eyes that resonates most profoundly in me. It is this visual appreciation of the world that prompts me to attempt to interpret and represent what I see on paper or canvas.
I love the patterns found in nature. Often my motivation to pick up a paint brush is to try to capture the patterns that I see, for example, in the branches of a tree or in the movement of water. I also love to try to capture the likeness of people, especially the likeness of people I care about. I so enjoy that moment when the slightest change of a line brings the loved one to life in front of me.
Working primarily with acrylics, my work could best be described as representational, and while I value realism, my painting process (and the subsequent outcome) often leans more towards the interpretive than the realistic.

Exhibitions

2015 – Central Okanagan – FCA OASIS National Art Exhibition
– North Okanagan – FCA “Myths & Truths” Exhibition – Vernon Performing Arts Centre, First Place

2016 – North Okanagan FCA “Diversity” Exhibition – Vernon Public Art Gallery, Award of Excellence

2017 – Thompson Nicola Shuswap – FCA Open Exhibition
– Central Okanagan – OASIS National Art Exhibition