Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

It was not a warm morning at the location. I got to one of my favorite painting spots and decided to paint again at this location. Couldn't remember how many times I've painted there before. Still, I started with a thumbnail, almost the same layout from my memory as before. I tried to use less water as it was hard to dry given the weather. One lady walked by me to complement my work, but she she surprised me and immediately apologized and told me that she was just walking by. Later some male voice was even louder behind me saying that it was a beautiful painting. That really scarred me a lot. Turned around and I saw two policemen driving by, they were kind and smiled, apologized as well. Then asked me when I started my work. I didn't really pay much attention, told them around nine o'clock. After they left, I realized that it might not have told them the correct time, they might misunderstand me and think I was not honest enough, oh, no.... Saw several other artis

Nice morning, but it was grey and hot on location. It was my second time coming here to paint the Hayes Mansion.  It is a historic location but now it is Hilton Hotel. I found a spot on the patio and painted the view from that perspective. The angle I tried to paint was not easy to capture, especially on a grey day, because the light and shadow wasn't clear. Luckily, the, sun came out around noon, so I got a chance to correct my work a little bit. Later, I saw several old friends who were also Plein Air artists and we chatted.  They gave me some good feedback. (August 14 2023)

Went to the beautiful Sikh Gurdwara located in South San Jose. My second time going there, not for Plein Air, this time I wanted to try drawing people indoors. The kitchen opened and served food when I arrived. I wore my black hat with a scarf over my head and shoulders.  Found a carpet to sit down on, where I could a better view of other people, mostly Indian I think.   I haven't practiced drawing people with clothes on for a long time, had noticed that Indian clothes were harder for me to draw since I never wear them, have no clue how everything connects on the body. And drawing professional models no matter for 2 minutes, 5 minutes or longer, they are trained not move.  But those people came to kitchen for food and socializing.  They moved their the hands, bodies, heads all the time, and never stop.   I had to draw them by memorizing.  Lucky I brought my favorite brush pen, it helped me draw better after I found it in my bag. A guy came out of kitchen and asked me what I was d

It was a beautiful and warm day, first time I drove to this amazing Sikh Gurdwara in San Jose up in the middle of the hills after passing downtown San Jose.  From Google Search: The Sikh Gurdwara of San Jose is a gurdwara located in the Evergreen district of San Jose, California. It was founded in 1984 by leaders of the then-rapidly growing community of Sikhs in the area. It is the largest Gurdwara in the world outside of India. I could spot the domes through the trees on my way up the hill, the Gurdwara is nestled in the hills and I  really wanted to stop along the roadside to paint it from a distance, but I kept driving up to the location. When I arrived, I saw three generations of families in traditional dress, woman wearing beautiful saris and men wearing turbans together with their children.  While I was there, I walked around and got to say "hi" to some new and old artist friends.  I found a nice spot to the side and started working.  Took a long time to finish because

In the morning on the way back from my dentist, found this old factory warehouse surrounded by new buildings. Felt an urgent need to paint it, because it might be gone someday soon... I painted under the open air roof protecting machines and tools from the sun, so I kept moving to stay in the shade.  A bell rang once for several times in the distance, I couldn't detect where it came from. A guy drove by in a pick up truck and stopped next to where I was painting.  He politely asked me if he could help.  I told him that I was painting the buildings.  Seemed that he really understood as he said that we need to keep record of it before they were destroyed. All the land is getting more expensive in Silicon Valley. But this area looked so peaceful, there were orange orchards and this precious old part of a warehouse remaining.  A couple of private properties were hiding behind but I couldn't go in to see them.  (September 23 2022)

Followed Google maps, I didn't remember how many turns required to drive to this location. I didn't even know such a huge, historic mansion existed. My first time to come here and paint. I found a shady spot and set up my gear. It took me much longer to draw. Besides, walked into the building to use the restroom, I decided to come back to check out the rest of the  interesting parts of the Architecture and the park. It was so nice to see several other Plein Air artists I hadn't seen for a long time.. We shared our ideas about the paintings we did or had mostly finished. (August 22 2022)

Weather report said that there was a storm coming today. The rain stopped this morning, I went out without a target for outdoor painting. Got lost in an industrial area nearby the airport, instantly I saw many interesting subjects to paint. But it wasn't easy to find a parking spot. I painted next to a camper parked on the sidewalk. The person owned it really made it looked like a home. There was a solar panel connected, and there were garden stuff, like potted plants, outdoor cook etc.  The clouds looked very unique, but they were not easy to paint on such a gray day.   Many airplanes flew overhead making a very loud sound, I wondered when I could get started traveling again?  After my work was done, I packed and it started  raining again.  Felt lucky that my painting and I didn't get a single drop, perfect timing without knowing in advance, lol...

Nice weather, certainly it was getting warmer. I went back to Alviso Marina to paint a similar scene to one I did years ago. My annual allergies have started to bother me, so I used the mask for protection even outdoors. There are many paintable and historical subjects that I'd like to paint in Alviso.  I took advise from another artist that suggested toning down the colors, not easy but I practiced.  After my work done, I checked around and found my mechanical pencil on the ground.  Yes, I've learned my lesson, always double check before leaving my painting spot. (February 28 2022 )

Such gorgeous weather, about 70 degrees with no wind. Went to Almaden Valley, found this old barn to paint. I did one at the same location in May this year. and did another one during the summer in 2017. Slowly I have made some progress in my work. I like this spot, felt very peaceful. Next time I will try to add in figures, and will paint loosely. Just ordered more watercolor papers, the price increased again... (November 22 2021)

It was so wonderful raining for a couple of days. Seemed that the dry season had ended up earlier, and the early rain was much needed for sure in California. Got up and saw such a lovely clearly day, then rushed out to the location. Surprised to notice there were several very old buildings partially in ruins though their historic plaques were still in tact. What were going on? There are always many paintable subjects in Alviso, but it depended on the weather and light first of all. I decided to paint the railway and the dramatic clouds behind it. My wheeled-backpack rolled away many times while I was painting because of the strong wind. Really wanted to quit, but I kept reminding myself it was one of the important things of being an outdoor painter, to bear a certain amount discomfort, otherwise there was is little improvement in the work. Awesome, I did it! Added the cables at home on the table, kept my loose style :).  (October 25 2021)

Caught up with some housework this morning. I had no idea why both my body and brain are trying to convince me in many ways not going out painting. But it was a gorgeous day out, I knew that I must go out and paint. Finally, I dragged myself and gear out the door around 2:30pm. Such a lovely day, about 75 degrees. Walked around in the lovely rose garden, took several deep breaths, enjoyed the beautiful garden with thousands of blooming roses. I saw a girl reading a book on the grass with the arched arbors and roses behind her, so I painted that. Of course, she had changed her position many times. Practicing figure drawing really helped me to let her fit into my work, not overdid it. (September 29 2021)

It was not a hot day with a light breeze. Went to Almaden Valley again. Last time I was lost and ended up finding a new place to paint. Arrived at the location and there was no parking left. Waited for a while, parked out next to the narrow road. I could never dress up to be an artist and do my work, especially outdoors. Actually, better to be a camel when doing Plein Air. There was no restroom at this location, had to be prepared. Then I started dragging my painting stuff to where I wanted to paint. Maybe about 15 minute walk when hiking, but I had to carry my tripod and Plein Air umbrella. Inside my rolling bag, was a Strada easel, which it was heavy by itself already; my color palette, a handful of brushes and two spray bottles inside the easel. Plus two bottles of water, one for painting, one for myself. a folding board for painting with several Fabriano Artistico 140lb cold press watercolor paper. a pencil bag which is full of pencils, some paint tubes, and small stuff f

Happy Mother's Day! Especially for those loving and caring for others unconditionally! Went to paint at the Japan town a little late this morning, just wanted to be close to a temple or a church for saying a prayer for my ancestors, especially for my two grandmothers and my father, since I couldn't visit their graveyard for the tomb sweeping day in China. Found a shady spot across the street, started to paint and think... Because of the COVID-19, I haven't see my old mother for two years now. Mother's Day is coming, even though I have my vaccination done, I still am not allowed to go to see her in China. Then I started felt quite sad about my situation... A guy came by and told me that he saw me crossing the street this morning and wondering what I was doing. Seemed like people were quite alert regarding their neighborhood. Saw two red-vested people walk by, looked like they were helping older people walk around. Before I finished my work, one of ladies wearing a red ve

Planned to go to Golden Gate Park to paint but it didn't happened. Drove in a different direction, tried to find an old place to Plein Air a couple of times, but I missed the road and had to u-turn back, I instantly stopped and painted this red barn. I was so glad that I found it by mistake, a very quiet road in this peaceful countryside, only the neighbors' dog barked several times at me. Saw a beautiful cow was having nap on the way back, but caught the road work traffic on the way home.

Stuck at home, still shocked by the breaking news. What has happened to this country? It seems confused and unprecedented in at least American history and reminded me why I came and became a citizen of this country in the first place. What I learned about the Constitution of United States of America 1789, "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."... tears in my eyes, I missed my family and friends back to my home country, covid-19 has made us further separated, don't even know when we will be able to see each other.. Sun came out in the afternoon, so I escaped all of the mayhem and ran out the door to paint. Found this unusual subject and layout for my composition. Quite a busy area, besi

Dec 31 2020 Happy New Year to you all !新年快樂 !Wishing all of you a safe, healthy, happy, and prosperous 2021! Many thanks to those who support and encourage me as an artist daily! A like and/or a comment can make a difference! And thanks especially to all collectors of my work. My last painting in 2020. Another beautiful day, rain made the distant hills turn greener. I came to one of my favorite painting spots. Many people were at the park, not easy to find parking. Walked around a bit, saw fishing boats and instantly set up my workstation. Took exactly three hours to finish this work. But don't forget I am a longtime artist, started as a part time, then being a full-time artist for over a decade now. Practicing painting outdoors for three and half years already. I've learned so much from nature, from the great artists both living and no longer with us, and from myself. I have to 100% focus when I paint. So that means being in solitude is the way I work best. Though I enjoy pain

Dec. 13 It was Sunday,  I woke up a little bit late than usual. Our raining season finally came. Sounds quite poetic just looking at the gray clouds and listening to the rain drops, right? Painting outdoors for several years nearby now, I thought that I had already become an expert to know local weather well. I checked the weather report a couple of times, it said that there was very high chance to rain. I didn't believe it, instead I went to the location, started my small study sketch. It was misty, no big deal. After laying my first wash down, it really started raining. I had to pack as quick as I could, ran into my car, my rain jacket was full of the rain all over. Only half way home, rain stopped, I wanted to turn back badly, but I didn't, finished this one at home.

Nov.5 Don't remember when I last came to this park. Today I followed the watercolor group to come here again. Driving through the hills and saw the spectacular views of Santa Clara Valley. Saw three females riding their horses walking on the hills, looked like they had a good time together. After paintings were done. we had lunch together at the park, everyone wore the face masks, and kept distance. We gave feedback to each other. Happy to meet other artists, old and new, great time we had together. Not sure how this year went by so fast - almost gone. I painted outdoors everyday this week. So enjoyed the good weather, and painting. Raining season is coming. One thing I had noticed is that my supply of watercolor paper is running out, have to order more...

Came to this 5.5 acres historic Rose Garden during a gorgeous autumn day. There were about 189 varieties, 3500 rose bushes, and this regional park won the national awards. There were only few people in the park, because a weekday I guessed. There would be a lot more people during weekends, sometimes there would be a wedding party. Been here so many times, but my first time to paint here. Found a good spot in the shade, focused on painting the water fountain. Could not finish the painting at the park. There was a guy following me. He asked me if I was a famous artist selling super-expensive paintings. Not sure how I could satisfy his curiosity, so I kept silent... Then he asked why I kept my face all covered. I wore a hat, a sunglasses and a face mask. I only answered that was my outdoor protection. Actually, some other people where covered up the same like me. Got home and retouched the painting a little bit.  (  Nov. 3 2020)

Didn't plan to paint outdoors, but the weather was so nice I thought that I could save some work for raining days at home. Rushed out the door, my car GPS refused to accept the address. And I still missed the entrance of the free way by listening to Google maps. It was a little bit late, actually it was good timing, as the sun just started shining on the roof of this historic St. Anthony Church on Bertram Rd. Learned so many lessons from my previous mistakes. focused on drawing patiently. Felt hot in the sun, watercolor paper and paint dried very fast, followed the flow to work. Happy I was out to paint, met a couple of watercolor artists as well.