“This Atlanta and North Carolina painter’s multilayered technique that mixes acrylic paint with concealed reflective textures including silver and gold leaf, all sealed under a varnish of his own devising. Upton’s determined innovation in depth and surface distinguishes him from his sources, which include the late work of Mark Rothko but combine many other atmospheric abstractionists. -- Jerry Cullum, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Light matters. The Atlanta artist excels at suggesting it on canvases that can glow. At times, he uses reflective material to enhance the affect.  And while he does abstract paintings, some of these works more than suggest realism, with a horizon line here, a sky there – even the hint of buildings. There’s also the influence of the great 19th –century English landscape painter J.M.W. Turner, who took a very solid world and, with color and form, de-materialized it.”  -- Richard Maschal, Charlotte Observer

Upton has pieces of artwork on display in the hotel's Art Gallery and in the Umstead Gift Shop.  Our Gift Shop staff can also assist with purchasing Upton's artwork.   For more information please call (919)447-4065.