Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

After my work was done, I looked at it and was not sure which way looks better, full size horizontal or cropped vertical.  Can I have you consultation please? Thanks in advance! This morning I set my mind to painting an umbrella or umbrellas as my subject.  Saw a couple of spots where Mexican farmers were selling fruits on the street earlier but didn't see any this time.  Sunlight changes so fast, so I quickly changed direction to Franklin Square where I painted few times last year, and remembered a couple of potential subjects for Plein Air.  I spotted umbrellas across the street and set up my painting station in front of Mio Vicino Italian Restaurant, a popular one in Bay Area.  Of course, we ate there several times, no doubt that their food is delicious.  Didn't have time to make a small sketch.  It was getting busier as noon approached, and street parking filled up too. Luckily at this point that my nose is blocked by allergies, so I couldn't smell the yummy food.  Othe

Dec. 18 What a beautiful day after a couple raining days, colder for sure. Came to Franklin Square to paint, just because there were more people hanged around during the weekends, for shopping at the Farmer's Market, or other activities. Usually it was a quiet place, might be people going to the post office for sending the Christmas gifts. Several people stopped by and talked to me, a couple of times I was shocked a little bit. I just loved to see the winter light and shadow. Back to home and worked on the high lights, and the water on the fountain. Holidays are coming, not sure what I should prepare, be healthy and stay safe!

Fall finally came to the Bay Area.  A little bit behind my schedule this morning.  Felt chilly inside the house, really didn't want to paint outdoors. I know it is important to practice daily being an artist painter. I pushed myself out of the door, drove to Franklin Square. Passed by it countless times, the water fountain was an appealing subject. Not sure why I never painted it. Only a few people walked around; a quiet Monday morning. Later a person in a wheelchair rolled up and asked what I was painting for. I instantly wanted to move out of his way. He was kind and told me that his vision was no longer good. I took my painting from the easel to show him. He said he was very thankful I brought my work to show him in a way that he was able to see, and that I did a good job.  Before I packed my stuff away, a lady came out of the beauty saloon. We had a short conversation, glad to know her business was doing OK. Nice being out and painting, another day practicing and overcoming my