Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

This morning was only 40 degrees when I started out driving on the road. I checked the weather that it wouldn't rain in the morning, thought I should go to Plein Air. I was pretty sure that I had painted at the Foothill park last spring, and remembered that it wasn't too cold while painting on a sunny morning. There were only a few vehicles in the park. I saw two people walking their dogs and drove on the top of the hill where I thought I did a painting last year, and noticed all the trees were growing taller in the distance. I still thought to paint the same spot, so I could see if my outdoor painting skills have improved. It was chilly, saw there was still snow  on top of the distant mountains.  I told myself that I should use as little water as possible for the watercolor Plein Air, from my years' experience, I learned that paper won't dry if there was too much water, especially in the cold weather. I heard a guy playing guitar and singing songs nearby me, but I was...

Nov.5 Don't remember when I last came to this park. Today I followed the watercolor group to come here again. Driving through the hills and saw the spectacular views of Santa Clara Valley. Saw three females riding their horses walking on the hills, looked like they had a good time together. After paintings were done. we had lunch together at the park, everyone wore the face masks, and kept distance. We gave feedback to each other. Happy to meet other artists, old and new, great time we had together. Not sure how this year went by so fast - almost gone. I painted outdoors everyday this week. So enjoyed the good weather, and painting. Raining season is coming. One thing I had noticed is that my supply of watercolor paper is running out, have to order more...

Really forgetful these days, I didn't bring my brushes, only an old rough one in my new tool box. So, I used my pallet knife and the #8 rough flat brush working on a small panel 8"x10". I was OK, I guess the Chinese Calligraphy training at young age did help me. The only issue that we had experienced a gorgeous 70 degree day yesterday, so i did not bring enough clothing for painting out, especially painting in the wind feeling chilly. And there was no bathroom at this location. Hahaha, the rest story depends on your own imagination.... My original artwork @ https://xueling-zou.pixels.com/galleries.html    OR you can find me @ https://about.me/xuelingzou