Ok. But there is nothing wrong with looking at the fretboard while picking - especially when you pratice. During my guitar education I had some lessons with quite famous Polish guitar teacher and he always told me to look at the fretboard because it helps to better analyze hand movement. I think it is also advisable to do that when performing - because all that stage fright sometimes can make strange things with your body and when you see whats happening you can better control your fingers.
Facial expressions can make or break your solos. I keep a lemon in my uke case at all times so I can do the B.B. King face when my solos need a little more feeling.
In all seriousness, I try to look at the fretboard but it doesn't do a lot for me. My two main ukes don't have a lot of fret markers (the Flea has none on the side), and the more I try to figure out what fret I'm playing at, the more I lose concentration and screw up. It's easier to go by feel.
most times, until I get really familiar with the music, then I can let go and focus more on what I'm feeling and put more emphasis on the vocal part or the different strings as im picking away