Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

Thought I could check the painting location out, so talked to my host family about staying on Sunday night for an early start. First time in my life that I got a flat tire on my way up to Alameda. Lucky my husband was able to drive all they way and fix the tire before it turned 100 percent dark. (The little nail ruined my tire when I just arrived S Shore Center) Day one It was my fourth time participating in the event. After registering, I got my watercolor papers stamped, then caught up with a couple of long-time-no-see artists and volunteers. (First painting was done at the Grand Marina Boatyard) Of course I always start painting at the Grand Marina. Because I've found many subjects that I could work on there. It was sprinkling rain, so I had to move my stuff during painting to a covered place at least six or seven times. People working there mostly were Mexican guys. They were listening to the radio playing happy Mexican songs while working. One even sang loudly along. Took me l

I canceled my dental appointment, and drove 40 miles to paint with my Chinese artist friends.  Several of them are professionally trained fine art teachers, who used to teach fine art at universities in China. Early morning I drove to the Park St bridge location and painted there.  It was my first time painting at the location.  Several other artists came.  They checked out two different locations before painting.  I realized the scene was a little complicated, so I tried to simplify it. Lan, one of female artist that lives in Alameda, she prepared a delicious lunch for us, some of us contributed some food as well.  I didn't know that there was a critique time.  My watercolor painting was next to the other artists, especially the master painters.  They were all very nice give me enough encouragement and professional advice. After lunch at Lan house on the Bay Farm Island, some of us decided to paint nearby.  But we were invited to visit Nancy's studio after four.  Less than two

“Creativity takes courage” – Henri Matisse  November 1 - Day 1 I was quite lucky to get an invitation to join the Capitola Plein Air Event, which I always wanted to join, but it didn't fit into my schedule in the past. Felt excited and checked the weather report constantly, but that didn't help to clear the rain. Arrived there in the morning, met the friendly volunteers, and Laurie the event chair, she was very helpful and made each detail super clear to me! Then Al checked in. He knew Capitola quite well, showed me a couple of places that had the great views. So thankful to him! After I drove to Shadowbrook Restaurant, it hadn't opened yet. I thought that I might paint there under the cover of the roof. An elegantly dressed lady told me that I had to call the restaurant manager, etc. So instead I started painting the front of the restaurant from under a tree with my trunk door open in the parking lot. Rain was slowing down a little bit. Another artist came and we met, she