Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

The 20.1 acre property is the remnant of the California Nursery Company, a once a grand nursery operation that brought notable presence to the East Bay and was significantly associated with the evolution of the nursery industry on a statewide level. The California Nursery Company's history dates back to Jose de Jesus Vallejo (1797-1882) who served as the administrator of the old Mission San Jose and military commander of San Jose. Other notable owners were Jonas Clark (1862), John Rock (1865), Williams Landers (1899) and the George C. Roeding family (1917-1968). Information from the park website: https://www.fremont.gov/325/Historical-Parks-Facilities   (April 11 2018)

Roberto-Suñol Adobe, San Jose, CA where is a historical place to paint. The garden was beautiful, I started drawing immediately. Then I thought it was complicated and how I could finish this watercolor painting in such a limited time. So I decided only to use my large brushes, ignoring all the details, focusing on light, positive and negative shapes, wet into wet techniques, etc... After the painting done, I joined the tour at the museum, learned some history about this location. Spring is coming, cold in the morning, but it was about 70 degree during noon already.

This property, Carson House, located at Almaden historic district, San Jose, California. It has been placed on the National register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. The one I painted was based on the sketches I did on Christmas day 2017. After the painting was done, I did some research to view the old photos, and realized that there was no cactus in front of the house. I wonder how old those cactus are. The red color fruits on the cactus are very beautiful too. It made me really want to visit this museum as well, but it was closed. Next time I will make it. Original watercolor of this painting is available for a collector.  Please view a better image @ https://fineartamerica.com/featured/carson-house-california-landscape-6-xueling-zou.html?viewall=true Carson House 1854  One of three complete adobe house in New Almaden made of creek gravel and adobe mud. From the plaque on the wall:  In 1855 a plan of the settleme...

Being an artist not living in my motherland, family has become the most tender treasure hidden deep inside my heart! Every single door I pass by has brought me so much imagination and curiosity unconsciously. And creativity craftsmanship stimulates my artistic sensibilities. Some of them witness centuries of history and others wear the character of the natural disasters they have lived through, making them all the more interesting to share. This gallery is full of documentary images in which I focus on the doors and door decor, including some windows that caught my eye, especially in the different cultures I have been exposed to. (Please click the image to enlarge) In Peru, there were so many beautiful craftsmanship work. I would love to share some of my captures. Welcome to visit my Door And Window Collection Art Gallery: http://xueling-zou.artistwebsites.com/art/all/photography+-+door+and+window+collection/all "The doors of wisdom are never shut." ― Benjamin Frankl...

That was one of my favorite trips in Peru, though it was too short. I love Peruvian culture and people. Their unique architecture, beautifully designed traditional textiles... So much to learn and appreciate. Next one I will post photos I captured from one of the most famous ancient landmarks - Machu Picchu, I feel proud just having been there... This piece memorializes a moment from one of my travel experiences. Although we only spent a few days in Cusco, Peru before we headed to Machu Picchu , my impression remains vivid - the expression of this little girl whose mother carried her without complaint up and down the endless uneven steps in this beautiful but ancient city built of millions of stones, and thousands of steps... At the altitude it was hard enough to even breath let alone carry the extra weight of this child who was 4-5 year's-old, not a young baby. Her curious glance captured my attention and I was so touched by the mother and daughter' s relationship and their de...

I am not I. I am this one walking beside me whom I do not see, whom at times I manage to visit, and whom at other times I forget; who remains calm and silent while I talk, and forgives, gently, when I hate, who walks where I am not, who will remain standing when I die. My painting was inspired by the poem of Juan Ramon Jimenez "I Am Not I", translated by Robert Bly. Please view a better image at: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/i-am-not-i-xueling-zou.html