Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

A quiet Friday morning.  Came to paint sunflowers. Remembered that I painted at the same garden in winter. Now there are more plants, many of them blooming. But I know that I came for the sunflowers. Met the lady that worked there, her name was Rachal. She was doing great job which attracted me to come back. Actually it is not a good idea for me to paint too near many flowers. My eyes hurt and my nose was running, but I did it, and moved the objects around a bit to make a more pleasing composition.  (June 11 2021)

Decided to paint something different. I saw many gardens have been growing vegetables since the pandemic, thought it was a different subject to paint. So drive around and found one. Set up my workstation and found I did not have any paper with me. Drove back to get the paper. Set up my painting station again, and I didn't bring any water with me. Hahaha, I guess that is a sign of getting old and forgetful. Luckily, there was a water hose nearby. Sun was out for a short time, mostly it was gray. There were flowers still blooming, vegetables, like pees, luffa hanging on the fence, and other greens still growing. We really are spoiled by California's good weather. Inspiration and paint how I feel are more important than copy what I see exactly. That's why I keep painting loose. Moved the pot under the sunflowers, we all needed the positive feeling in life, especially during the current situation. (Jan 12 2021)

Please view my online galleries @ https://xueling-zou.pixels.com/index.html?tab=galleries This morning painted at a private property in Los Gatos, I was fascinated by the shadow of tree leaves on my paper. I will try to paint abstracts someday, I always want to... Ultramarine blue is always one of my most favorite colors on my palette and in life. I just realize that I have almost run out, have already ordered a new watercolor tube last Friday, keeping my fingers crossed that it will be delivered this week. I don't think I could live without it, especially for the Alameda Plein Air event I am participating in next week. Wish me luck!