Colors, shapes and vision: The art of Arthur James Uphold

Artist Arthur James Uphold says he likes to excite the viewer's eye with color. Although an accomplished artist, because of his military career and work history, this is his first single-person show.  

The art of this Oklahoma Veteran will be featured in the May Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists. The show will feature an exhibit of works by Uphold, beginning with a reception on Thursday, May 3 from 6-9 p.m. and continuing throughout the month.

A longtime resident of the Tulsa area has finally made it home. Uphold served as both active and reserve in the U.S. Army with deployment in Kuwait and Baghdad, Iraq. He retired as a Master Sergeant after 28 years of service.

During his work and military career, he attended the Rocky Mountain School of Art studying the human form, received an AS degree from Tulsa Junior College, and a BFA in 1995 from Oklahoma State University.  

Uphold’s work extracts from many media. “As an artist exhibiting my work, I like to excite the viewer's eye with color. My use of geometrical shapes and organic elements gives me the freedom to enjoy less restriction and allows me to create my vision.

“I also use traditional tools like reflective lighting, shading, color theory and perspective. You can usually see a person or object in my paintings, but they are transformed through shapes, shadows and light as if they were objects in space. My work includes oils, acrylics, watercolor, and my sculptures include bone and wood. I sometimes combine individual mediums for various effects.” 

The show begins with a reception on Thursday, May 3 from 6-9 p.m. at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, located at 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. There will be a door prize drawn of the artist’s work. The show continues throughout May.

Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. www.okeq.org.
Copyright The Gayly 4/30/2018 @ 3:56 p.m. CST.