Bob Upton

St. Paul, MN

Professional Affiliations

Bob Upton is a plein air painter, which means he brings his easel outside and paints on location from life. The painting is usually completed in one session, typically spending 3-4 hours at a location. Bob travels all over the country to paint a wide variety of locations and weather conditions.

Bob has been an award winning graphic designer for 30 years.  Along with his education in design, he studied drawing and painting in the academic style of Classical Realism. His training was on the figure, portraiture and still life.  He has also studied landscape outdoors.

He has a love of realism, rooted in traditional oil painting. Formal academic training in drawing and painting, combined with the outdoor palette of the French Impressionists has been the foundation of his education.

Recently the love of outdoor landscape has consumed his painting. Painting directly from nature is what inspires his artwork. To “catch the day” in paint has been a goal.

Education

College of Visual Arts – BFA, St. Paul, Minnesota
Atelier Lack, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Atelier, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Joseph Paquet Studio, St. Paul, Minnesota
Art Academy, St. Paul, Minnesota

Recognition

LPAPA, Best of Plein Air 2020, 2 finalists
 Plein Air Salon Competition - October November 2019 - Best Landscape

Plein Air Salon Competition - August September 2019 - Best Water

Plein Air Grand Marais 2019 - First place, People's choice

Plein Air Hudson 2019 -  Best in Show, People's choice, Purchase award

14th International ARC salon , Art Renewal Center - Plein Air, Honorable mention, 2 additional finalists awards
LPAPA, Best of Plein Air 2019, Honorable Mention

Publications

Plein Air Magazine, Cover artist, November 2014

Escape Magazine, Sun Country Airlines

Website:  bobuptonstudio@gmail.com