Celebrating Los Gatos Artists

Beautiful oils, acrylics, photographs and sculptures are on display on the second floor of the —the talented work of the 267-member Los Gatos Art Association.

Along the walls of the Harry and Jeanette Weinburg Wing you'll find dozens of pieces to admire, which will be on display through Dec. 4 and which have already been judged by guest juror Kim Lordier as part of the nonprofit organization's 26th annual juried show.

Lordier is a graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and a signature member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters, the Pastel Society of America, a distinguished pastelist in the Pastel Society of the West Coast and artist member of the California Art Club.

We took some time this weekend to examine the work and walked away quite impressed. Also admiring the work were many town residents, artists, buyers and collectors.

Some pieces are being sold for a couple of hundred dollars and some as high as $3,000. Sales of the work are being handled by the JCC, which will retain a 20 percent commission. 

There are first, second and third-place awards in several categories, which are easily identifiable by ribbons placed under the work. The show officially began Nov. 3 and on Sunday, Nov. 6, the association held its artist reception and awards presentation.

Lordier's guide in selecting an award-winning image was quality of draftsmanship or line, strong design/composition, value pattern, use of color, quality and control of edges and use of medium, she said in a letter to the artists.

"There is a lovely breadth in styles and genres of the LGAA artists that is refreshing. This makes for an exciting exhibit, and also makes the selection process more difficult on the jurist ... I congratulate each exhibitor on creating strong and compelling work and thank you for allowing me the privilege to cast my vote," she wrote.

Some of our favorites:

• First place in the oil category went to artist Carole Rafferty for her painting titled, "Bay Bridge." Lordier said the painting had a strong presence.
• First place in the dry media category went to artist Judith Smith for her painting called, "Calla Lily." "The layering of the pastel medium creates a luminous glow, Lordier noted.
• Second place in the oil category went to artist Brigitte Curt for her painting, "On the High Plateau." Curt was praised for her use of rich bold color.
• Second place in the water media category went to artist Carolina Mueller. She was praised for her dynamic and ambitious design, coupled with the warm use of bronze and gold colors.
• Honorable mention in the oil category went to artist Linda Smythe for her painting titled, "Gams." "Juicy paint, confidant strokes, strong design and gorgeous color harmony makes this an award-winning painting," Lordier said about the work.
• Honorable mention also went to artist Mei-Ying Dell'Aquila for a painting titled, "Man of Granite." Artist was recognized for portrait's boldness, which demands attention.