Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Upton was fascinated as a youngster by the horses that wandered through the family yard. In her efforts to capture them on paper, Upton relates that she was encouraged by her father, who taught her what he described as the language of drawing. Upton’s work reflects that foundation, informing her departure from conventional portrayals. It was while earning her MFA at University of California Santa Barbara that she again explored equine imagery; and ever since then the horse as subject and muse has remained her focus. Upton’s paintings and drawings are held in private collections throughout the United States, and in Europe and Asia.
The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, California, in their historic downtown, near the Depot and next to the railroad tracks. Hours are 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, free for Museum of Ventura County members, and for children ages 5 and younger. Free general admission on First Sundays of the month. For more information, go to www.venturamuseum.org or call (805) 525-3100.
