LGAA’s GBAO at NUMU

HUGE turn out for the Los Gatos Art Association‘s Greater Bay Area Open juried exhibition held at the New Museums of Los Gatos on Saturday! Juror Peggi Kroll-Roberts chose 66 pieces for this regional show sponsored by the Los Gatos Art Association.

GBAO Reception at NUMU 2015- Mary Ellen Comport

Mary Ellen Comport, on behalf of the New Museums of Los Gatos spoke eloquently about the important intersection of art, history and community and the important roles that NUMU, LGAA and LGMG play in this endeavor. Afterwards LGAA’s Elke Groves and Jeff Owen, co-chairs of the event, announced the awards.

GBAO - Vincent Liu- Firefighter with Dogs - Oil - NUMU -2015

Vincent Liu was awarded best in show for his oil Fireman and Dogs.

GBAO - Maralyn Miller - Lavender and Gold - Oil - NUMU -2015

Maralyn Miller won first place for her oil, Lavender and Gold.

GBAO - Craig Sanborn - Deception of Indepence - charcaol, carbon, pastel - 2015

Craig Sanborn drew second place for his charcoal, carbon, pastel drawing,  Deception of Independence.

GBAO - Carol Bower - Kami - soft pastel - 2015

Carol Bower took third place for her soft pastel, Kami.

GBAO - Karen Olsen - French Pears - Watercolor - NUMU -2015

Karen Olsen was awarded an honorable mention for her water color, French Pears.

GBAO - Ron and Mei-Ying Dell'Aquila and his photographSpring Green and Yellow #3 - NUMU 2015

Ron Dell’Aquila captured an honorable mention for his photograph, Spring Green and Yellow #3.

GBAO Reception at NUMU 2015

Wayne Adachi won an honorable mention for his painting, Bangkok Street Food #2 ( in the middle).

GBAO - David Massey - The Climb - watercolor - 2015

David Massey won an honorable mention for his watercolor, The Climb.

GBAO - Ellen Howard - Serve them Up! oil NUMU 2015

Ellen Howard received an Honorable Mention for her oil, Serve them Up!

GBAO - Carol Collins - Join the Pink Warriors - Digital Photography Composite - NUMU - 2015

Carol Collins with her intriguing digital photography composite, Join the Pink Warriors delves into her personal battle with cancer.

GBAO - Kim Newell - Sophia- Oil- NUMU -2015

Kim Newell and her oil, Sophia.

GBAO - Rebex Nie - Magnolia II - Acrylic - NUMU -2015               GBAO - Kerrie Brandau - George - oil -  2015              GBAO - <a href=

Rebex Nie with her acrylic Magnolias II, Kerrie Brandau with her oil, George and Joan Drennan with her oil, Cherry Chevy.

GBAO - Donna Orme -Wake Up - Acrylic - NUMU -2015

Donna Orme with her acrylic, Wake Up.

GBAO - Nancy Takaichi - First Snow - oil - 2015

Nancy Takaichi with her oil, First Snow.

GBAO - Elwira Barbara Maszara - Trufle - watercolor - 2015

Elwira Barbara Maszara and her watercolor Trufle.

GBAO - Scott L Holtslander - Merced River at Sentinel Rock - Photography - 2015           GBAO - Veronica Gross - Painters at Moran Lake Park  Watercolor - 2015          GBAO - Marie Cameron - Forget-me-not Tea II- Oil - NUMU -2015

Scott L Holtslander with his photograph, Merced River at Sentinel Rock, Veronica Gross with her watercolor, Painters at Moran Lake Park and me with my oil, Forget-me-not Tea II.

GBAO - Al Shamble - Pirates Cove, Plein Air - oil - 2015

Al Shamble with his oil, Pirates Cove, Plein Air.

GBAO - Anita Hittle - Molly - Oil - NUMU -2015

Anita Hittle with her oil, Molly.

GBAO Reception at NUMU 2015

GBAO - Reception at NUMU

GBAO Reception - NUMU 2015

GBAO  Reception - NUMU 2015

GBAO Reception - NUMU 2015

GBAO Reception at NUMU 2015

GBAO - Kim Newell at NUMU- 2015

The exhibition runs through to the end of August.

Joyeux Noël!

A lovely evening of art, wine, hors d’oeuvres and great company at the Los Gatos Museums Gallery’s holiday reception! It’s so nice to spend the evening with all our local member artists and our fabulous art loving community!

LGMG Holiday Reception - from Joyeux Noel by Johane Amirault

The holiday reception invitation was based on a detail from the painting, Joyeux Noël by one of new member artists, Johane Amirault’s. Her vibrant, (usually) abstract work is a welcome addition to the gallery!

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Front Door

I love the way the community comes our to celebrate with us every year!

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Belinda Lima

The tree was hung with the small treasure paintings, proceeds of which are earmarked for our party fund! Looks like member artist Belinda Lima is working the desk.

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Ed Lucey and Ellen Howard

Member artists Ellen Howard (who’s new to the gallery this year with her beautiful oil landscapes) and Ed Lucey chatting in the corner.

Member artist Veronica Gross conversing with quests in this corner.

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Shanna and Lisa

I love when this kind of thing happens, I had gone over to complement this woman on her fabulous taste (loved her vintage style) only to find out that she was the very person who now owns the folding screen that is in the background of my painting Feathers! Her friend, Lisa, had discovered this the month before when she was admiring my painting and brought her to the reception. It was a blast to talk with Shanna and Lisa, who are both portrait lovers, and to hear their fabulous stories of the portraits in their lives. I felt like I was finding members of my tribe!

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Tom Yacoe, Mary Ann Henderson, Carole Rafferty

Member artists Mary Ann Henderson and Carole Rafferty talking with artist Tom Yacoe.

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Larry Arzie

Larry Arzie with guests by the small treasures tree.

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Kevin Kasik

Is that member artist Kevin Kasik on the left (I’m not sure as  it looks like he’s traded his standard page boy for a holiday fedora)?

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Julia Watson, Nancy deWeess

Member artists Julia Watson and Nancy deWeess looking to thank co-owners Larry Arzie and David Stonesifer for all they do to make this great gallery possible!

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Julia Watson

Thanks too to Julia Watson, member artist and part time manager of our gallery for all her hard work making this year a very successful one!

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Sandi Okita

Member artist Sandi Okita who has some beautiful portraits on exhibit.

LGMG Holiday Reception 2014 - Back Door

Thanks to everyone who turned out and to those who volunteered to make this a such a nice event!

 

Silicon Valley Open Studios – Final Weekend

I’m taking a break from participating in Open Studios this year so I can focus on some large scale projects that require ALL my focus and a very messy studio although I love holding my own,  I finally get to enjoy going to OTHER artists’ studios this year!

This is the final weekend and includes all the towns from Cupertino to Gilroy. Make sure to get out and take a peek at all the great work out there! I managed to hit a few studios yesterday in Los Gatos and San Jose and will make some rounds from 11:00 – 5:00 today – maybe I’ll see you out there!

Here are some highlights from my outing yesterday, click on the artist’s names for links to their websites.

SVOS 2014 -  Carol Greene - Alameda Artworks - Site 186

 

Carol Greene at the Alameda Artworks ( Site 186 ) was showing some bold and beautiful Face Scapes.

SVOS 2014 - Carol Greene - Face Scapes

SVOS 2014- Carol Greene - Portraits

 

SVOS 2014-  Jennifer Williams - Photography

Jennifer Williams was exhibiting her quietly soulful photographs at the Alameda Artworks, Studio 18 ( Site 186 ) along side of her mother Susan Williams who was showing playful, colorful paintings. Talent running in the family!

SVOS 2014- Susan Williams - Painting

 

SVOS 2014 - Richard Gullion (Site 186)

Richard Gullion ( Site 186) was showing energetic abstract paintings and drawings as well as ceramics in his studio at Alameda Artworks.

SVOS 2014 - Richard Gullion (Site 186) - ceramic fish            SVOS 2014 - Richard Gullion  (Site 186)

 

SVOS 2014 -  Mark Danitschek - Cermic Heads 2 ( site 186)

SVOS 2014 -  Mark Danitschek - Cermic Heads 1 ( site 186)

SVOS 2014 -  Mark Danitschek - Cermic Heads 4 ( site 186)

I have a big crush Mark Danitscheck‘s ceramic heads and his experimental glazing techniques! He was showing with Amanda Danitcheck at Alameda Artworks ( Site 186) and her exquisite abstract paintings – love those figures!

SVOS 2014 - Mark and Amanda Danitschek ( site 186)              SVOS 2014 -  Amanda Danitschek - small figures ( site 186)

SVOS 2014 -  Amanda Danitschek - Painting ( site 186)

SVOS 2014 -  Amanda Danitschek - Figure and Boat Painting ( site 186).jpg

 

SVOS 2014- David Lippenberger- ( site 186)

David Lippenberger was exhibiting his stylized figures and rubber band paintings at his studio at Alameda Artworks ( Site 186). He had a very interesting process of layering charcoal and gesso in his figure paintings and coating the  abstract squiggles of the rubber bands with layers of paint making a lush, textured surface.

SVOS 2014- David Lippenberger-  Rubber Band Paintings ( site 186)                 SVOS 2014- David Lippenberger-  Sef Portraits( site 186)

 

SVOS 2014 - Stacey Nussbaum - ( Site 186)

Stacey Nussbaum at the Alameda Artworks ( Site 186 ) was exhibiting really lovely pastels inspired by her bike rides through Santa Teresa Park.

SVOS 2014 - Stacey Nussbaum - ( Site 186) inspiration board            SVOS 2014 - Stacey Nussbaum - ( Site 186) pastels

 

SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer - (site 452)

David Stonesifer‘s studio (Site 452) in Los Gatos was fabulous! Beyond his gorgeous landscape and floral oil paintings ( he’s incredibly prolific!), you feel like you’re entering an enchanted world surrounded by lush grounds.  No wonder his paintings are so beautiful!

SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer - deer topiary -  (site 452)  SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer -bees- (site 452)   SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer -  deer statue (site 452)

SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer -racoon statue - (site 452)   SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer -  paintings and lanterns - (site 452)   SVOS 2014 - David Stonesifer garden house - (site 452)

SVOS 2014- Veronica Gross (328)

Veronica Gross was hosting a number of artists at her Los Gatos Studio ( Site 328 ). Here she is among her glowing watercolor landscapes and florals.

 

SVOS 2014- Karen VanGalder Site 328

Karen VanGalder was showing her ceramics ( Site 328 ) – a lot of character and beautiful glazes.  Love those cats, perfect for Los Gatos!

SVOS 2014- Karen VanGalder cats Site 328

SVOS 2014 -Karen VanGalder - Muse          SVOS 2014 Karen VanGalder's kitty

 

SVOS 2014 - Maralyn Miller - new painting - Site 279

Maralyn Miller ( Site 279) was hosting several artist at her fantastic studio in Los Gatos. It’s a real treat to see her gorgeous landscapes in what would be a runner up for a dream studio (my heart belongs to another)!

SVOS 2014 - Maralyn Miller - Site 279

 

SVOS 2014 - James Derieg - Animals Rule Series

James Derieg ( Site 279) was showing his playful  paintings and amazing dog house / garden / retreats.

 

SVOS 2014 - Hellen Scheel - Site 279

Helen Scheel was showing her paintings ( Site 279 ), her fruit and vegetables were just glowing!

 

SVOS 2014 - Patty Montgomery - Mixed Media - Site 279              SVOS 2014 - Patty Montgomery - Milbrae - Site 279              SVOS 2014 - Patty Montgomery - Process- Site 279

Patty Montgomery (Site 279)  was showing her great mixed media paintings.

SVOS 2014 - Patty Montgomery - Who Rules the Yard- Site 279

 

Studio visit with Veronica Gross

I love visiting artists in their working and living spaces! You can learn so much about what shapes their art from their environment. What’s in their personal collections?  What inspirational objects and materials do they have lying about? What are their hobbies, and passions – it’s all revealed!

Veronica and Olive in the garden - photo Marie Cameron 2013

 

Artist Veronica Gross and Olive enjoying the winter sun on my recent studio visit. You can visit her website: veronicagrossart.com

Sentinel Snow - Veronica Gross- watercolor- 20 x 14

Sentinel Snow  watercolor  20″ x 14″

Los Gatos artist Veronica Gross is known for her beautiful watercolor florals and landscapes. I know Veronica from the Los Gatos Museums Gallery and the Los Gatos Art Association, but she also belongs to the Viewpoints Gallery where her show, Westlands is currently on exhibit through January 5, 2014.

Veronica Gross - Watercolor 2

Mt. Carmel Evening  watercolor  20″ x  28″

Palo Alto Baylands 3 - Veronica Gross- Watercolor -14 x 20

Palo Alto Baylands #3  watercolor 14 x 20″

Veronica Gross -Watercolor

Just Picked  watercolor  20″ x  28″

Veronica Gross's watercolor of Sam Pearson Painting - photo Marie Cameron 2013

Above is a watercolor that Veronica is applying the final touches to. It’s a plein air painting of our friend Sam Pearson painting the Shoreline Bridge. I’m intrigued to see how his piece turned out too!

Shoreline Bridge - Sam Pearson - Pastel - 2013

Magic…. here it is, Sam Pearson’s gorgeous pastel, Water Under the  Bridge – Thanks Sam! It’s currently on exhibit at the Los Gatos Museums Gallery.

Veronica Gross Studio - photo Marie Cameron 2013

You can see in her studio how all those big windows not only let the light come in but nature too!

Veronica Gross - at the easel - photo Marie Cameron 2103             Veronica Gross - lesson plans- photo Marie Cameron 2013          Veronica and her sister glazing tiles Veronica and Olive in the garden - photo Marie Cameron 2013

I love how you can see lots of different projects Veronica has on the go, and see all those lesson plans from years of teaching high school hiding under the table? They’ve come in handy as weights!  Veronica’s sister, Jill Rowney is glazing  some of Veronica’s tiles for her own kitchen – oh the perks of being a sister!

Veronica Gross and her sister in the studio Veronica and Olive in the garden - photo Marie Cameron 2013

Veronica Gross - brushes and sclupture - photo Marie Cameron 2013                         Veronica Gross - studio clutter - photo Marie Cameron 2013

One can usually find lots of treasure in studio clutter. In this case, it’s a ceramic figure done as a demonstration for Veronica’s high school students by Randy Shiroma who was doing some student teaching in her classroom many years ago.

Upon visiting her home and her studio I find, as with so many artists, that she’s no one trick watercolor pony!

For instance, she has this great kiln and I was taken with the series of tiles she was making which are based on her love of California natives (as is her landscaping).

Veronica's glazed tiles ready for firing - photo Marie Cameron 2013

Here are some of the tiles glazed and ready for the kiln.  If you haven’t glazed before, the heat of the firing brings out the color in the glaze and sets the desired finish. I’m partial to the lupines!

Veronica Gross - Tiles, Brushes and Glaze - photo Marie Cameron 2013

Veronica Gross - Floral Tiles - photo Marie Cameron 2013

Here you can see the color after firing.

Lupine Tile by Veronica Gross - photo Marie Cameron 2013  .Veronica Gross - Floral Tile backsplash - photo Marie Cameron 2013California Landscape tile by Veronica Gross - photo by Marie Cameron 2013

Here are some samples of finished tiles set into Veronica’s backsplash. So lovely, they remind me of the arts crafts movement of the 20’s Don’t go looking for these in galleries or Etsy though!  Veronica has no plans of mass production. When I ‘d asked her about it she confessed, “I can’t stand the feel of clay on my hands!” – too funny!  I mean, you won’t cathc me warking with charcoal or pastels for the same reason! What about licensing deals? Well, we’ll have to twist her arm!

Veronica Gross- inspiration board - photo Marie Cameron 2103            Veronica Gross- lobotomy victim 1- photo Marie Cameron 2013           Veronica Gross - Inherited Deer - photo Marie Cameron 2013

Balloon Girl, Mr Bonz, Mid-Century Bambi – they all speak to a love of color, form and careful observation.

Veronica Gross and Olive in the Studio - photo Marie Cameron 2013

Veronica Gross - in the garden - photo Marie Cameron 2013

With a fence like that you can tell that an artist lives here!

Veronica's Karen Van Galder statue            Veronica in the garden - photo Marie Cameron 2013            Veronica's willow chair

The garden is also filled with Veronica’s personality, A Karen Van Galder statue, a bent willow chair among the bamboo, her naturally weathered fence and wheelbarrow – it’a all her color palette, including her gorgeous calico!

Olive in the garden - photo Marie Cameron 2013

Olive is a fan of California natives as well and all the little critters that dwell therein.

Disclosure: I’m sure Veronica doesn’t normally lug Olive all over the studio but I woke her up from under the Christmas tree where she was curled up for a nap because I wanted her to be in the photo shoot – what a sweet trooper!