My name is Gary Upfield and I have lived in North Warrandyte since 1991. I am married to wife Robyn. I have been painting most of my life. My passion for painting started at High School when I was fortunate to have a very good Art Teacher who gave me a grounding in all aspects of Art. I was born and raised in Preston, Victoria a suburb of Melbourne. I attended Preston East Primary School and Preston East High School. I have won two Art Awards. I won the Commonwealth Bank staff Award in 1994 for a promotion of Tasmania, my prize was a trip to Tasmania. I also won a competition at National Australia Bank Collections in 2000 to create a Christmas Card.
I have had two Solo Exhibitions in 2018. The first was at Black Cat Gallery in Collingwood from 12th September 2018 until 23rd September 2018. The Second Exhibition was at Darebin Arts Centre in Preston from 17th October until 23rd November 2018. I was selected as one of the artists for Knox Immerse. It ran for a month in September 2019. I was selected as a finalist in the Australian Water Colour Muster 2020.
I currently Teach Art at Strathdon Aged Care Centre in Forest Hill which I enjoy immensely.
I am currently attending Art sessions with Vicki McInnes who is an exceptional art teacher and has a rare vision on how the essence of a painting is expressed rather than just a seen. I love working with Vicki.
I have spent several winters in Alice Springs on week long camps outside Alice Springs with Deborah Clarke a noted painter in Alice Springs. Much of my recent works have been created or inspired from these trips. I have entered and been shown at the following art shows,
1. Warrandyte Festival Art Prize
2. Warrandyte Rotary Art Show. 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017, 2018 & 2019
3. Strathdon Community 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th & 14th Annual Art Exhibition
4. Camberwell Art Show 2007 & 2014
5. Hobsons Bay Art Show 2015,2016
6. Warranwood Art show 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017, 2018 & 2019
7. Linden Postcard Art Show 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017, 2018 & 2019
8. The Bayside Art Show 2016
9. The Knox Art Show 2015, 2016 & 2017
10. Mornington Art Show 2016 & 2017
11. Box Hill Art Show 2016, 2017
12 Mornington Art Show 2015
I have attended many workshops at the National Gallery of Victoria, Heide Museum
-Portrait painting and Still Life with Lewis Miller
-Pen and Ink with Jill Anderson
-Charcoal Drawing with Peter Wegner twice
-Plein Air Painting around Melbourne
-Sketching in the Gallery with Marco Luccio
-Silk painting
I have sold some paintings. I currently have a studio at 1/ 171 High Street, Northcote with six other diverse artists including well known Artist Marcus Wills. (winner of the Archibald Prize)
Marcus and I have a strong relationship and he will often give pointers and assistance with my paintings. The Environment at the Studio is very robust with everyone able to give and take constructive critiscm.
You can view my Artworks on Website gallery 247 and on Instagram at garyupfieldart.