Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

Many painters get inspired by this location, but I always find that it is difficult to paint. Nice afternoon to meet several artist friend there. Looked that they were half way done when I arrived. Lucky I found this tree, otherwise I couldn't see anything vertical standing out to paint. Near sunset, it was gorgeous! (January 28 2022)

Went to the historic monastery church this morning. Painted outside this beautiful place twice last year. I drove into the quiet place, planned to paint the church architecture, but instead I found a lovely house behind it. Just because the morning light was gorgeous, shone on the pink color fence, even the garbage bin and the shadow was kind of the object I was in the mood for. Painted it loosely, the church bell rang after my painting was done. (January 27 2022)

Challenging to draw a male aesthetic body, might be there are fewer male models. And he is African American, so not easy to control the darker tones in his short poses in several minutes. There were more people tonight, we all wore N95 or KN95 masks. Have been sketching live models for a while, but only can see my tiny improvement. (January 25 2022)

Four Chinese artists including me decided to go out and Plein Air together. In the morning it looked like a gorgeous sunny day from where I live. Drove into the park though and it became super-foggy and mysterious. There were two trees that looked very familiar, I realized that I painted at this location before and that today wasn't my first visit. We painted nearby the parking lot, which was a different prospective. Also shared our ideas to help each other improve the painting. The sun came out before we left the park. (January 20 2022)

One of our Chinese artist masters, Eric Guan, has a studio in Palo Alto. When he wants to paint a model he invites other great painter friends paint with him. Another artist friend, she helps to organize and schedule models for us. We all appreciate the great opportunity of painting together and learning from masters. The other day I took Eric's advice that I should focus on my own style. Because painting with others, it is quite easy to copy each other. Today's model she was young and beautiful. Even though I painted next to Eric, I decided only to use two colors. Three hours painting together, we were all happy with our own results. I know that I have a lot of improvements to make, but I wasn't distracted by other's style. (January 19 2022)

Tonight's 3-hour drawing session went fast. I drew as fast as I could, but still couldn't get this former ballerina model's movement the way I expected. Looked at my neighbor Eric, his beautiful lines and shapes on the paper full of rhythm, everyone could tell the strict training he had. Appreciate that I have met all these local Chinese artists, it helps me to learn and improve. I believe that it is easier to communicate in our mother language. (January 18 2022)

It was the first figure painting session I managed to go to. I thought that new year with a new start and I should fucus on a style to paint. I had no idea how I could overlook the time, I was late. Rushed into the session started my sketch loosely which I liked. Supposed to continue painting that way. After each break, I realized that my painting was going back my old style. (January 13 2022)

Monday I just had my vision surgery done, then I told myself that I must go to draw if I could drive.  Magically, I made it and enjoyed the drawing from the live model so much, just wish my eyes won't cause me any trouble for the rest of my life, pray for it!  (January 11 2022)

Last year I painted about 150 Plein Air paintings, and drove too many places far away. Started at the end of last year, I thought that there were many places nearby me that were really paintable. Also went back to the same place as last time to paint again, but from a different angle and in the afternoon. Light came out once in a while which made all the subjects look more interesting. We had a week or two cold and rainy days, but it was about 60 degrees today.  Of course I had to dress up like northern California kind of winter with my winter hat on.  There was a white pick up truck in front of the station, it was gone after I started painting so I had to finish it from memory.  I know some people, or even some kids can draw very good vehicles like cars and motorcycles.  Keep practicing and I will get better I remind myself, and also it is my new year resolution.  Finished up my work, it was already sunset, some people gave me compliments while they passing by... (January 4 2022)