NUMU Invites Visiting Artists To Help You As Budding Artist

LOS GATOS, CA — Here's yet another reason to be inspired in Los Gatos.

As one of the most desirable Silicon Valley towns for visitors, Los Gatos also paints a picture of an ideal place for artists to frequent. Many artists in a range of trades, styles, venues and home bases have come to share their thoughts, talents and skills with the budding variety of people who call this epitome of inspiration home. More are on tap in the 11,000-square-foot"new museum" of Los Gatos.

NUMU has embraced the visiting artists concept with a slate of workshops aimed at these contemporary masters helping these budding wannabe talents in town improve their skills. They include:

• David Gray, Painting The Classical Portrait From Life Workshop - Sept. 12 to 15; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Beginner to Advanced; $750 for non-members; $725 for NUMU members

In this intensive four-day program, Gray will take you step-by-step through his four-stage process of building a portrait from life. The fundamental skills emphasized in the class will be drawing, value and color relationships — all to achieve a sense of three dimensional form and paint handling.

• Zhaoming Wu, Alla Prima Clothed Figure Painting Workshop - Oct. 4 to 6; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Intermediate to Advanced; $700 for non-members, $675 for NUMU Members

Capturing the likeness of his subjects, Zhaoming leaves his mark with expressive and masterly strokes of paint. The movement and energy in his portraits leave a personal relic of each subject's character.

• Sarah Sedwick, Painting the Dynamic Still Life Workshop - Nov. 1 to 3; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Beginner to Intermediate; $450 for non-members, $425 for NUMU Members

Paint looser and more confidently is the goal of working with Sedwick. During this three-day workshop with this Oregon artist, one may learn a step-by-step approach to oil painting at its finest, from black-and-white studies to brilliant color. Students will find their still lifes coming to life. She will also advise with tips for bringing inspiration to a home studio practice.

• Cuong Nguyen, Portrait in Pastel Workshop - Nov. 7 to 10; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Beginner to Advanced; $550 for non-members, $525 for NUMU Members

Nguyen has become widely successful in many media. His love for pastel painting combines his expertly rendered drawings with his masterful use of color. Nguyen is always ready to share and demonstrate his methods for creating highly realistic skin tones.

The full lineup is available to view, among other museum highlights to ponder.

NUMU has a host of featured rooms including an "In the Studio" display, a young artists' wall, juried exhibitions, a collections corner and a history gallery. A current exhibition highlights a glimpse into the 130-year-old Los Gatos High School, and with that, the history of the teenager in the "Sis Boom Bah" exhibit.

"You don't have to be a Wildcat to enjoy this showing," NUMU Executive Director Maureen Cappon-Javey told Patch on a recent tour.