Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

It was raining a bit this morning when I was driving to the location. Rain stopped and it was gray, disappointed to see the water lilies were not blooming after I was expecting to paint them since my first time painted here. I guess that could change my mood to paint. Sun came out, and it was getting hot. Then I saw water lilies started blooming, ducks swimming around, koi fish jumped out of the water once a while... Actually it was a quite clean day after weeks of polluted air. Didn't think too much but kept working on the water lilies. Got stuck and got good feedback instantly from another artist friend. Felt lucky and always enjoyed painting with other artists together. I had no idea why I painted it so dark by using Monet's color pallet, except mine was watercolor. Maybe spend too much time in all the museums I had possibly to visit all the greatest masters work. Does it mean good or bad to be Influenced by others?

🙏Say prayers for all the people impacted by the fires in California! It looked gray, not too smoky, might be still effected by the nearby fire. Good to know that such an oriental garden exists in Silicon Valley. First time I came here, and so happy to see 10 other artists at the location and what they painted. I instantly found my spot to paint. Actually the whole garden was under major works, the pond was dry. I stood at the bottom of the pond to paint. Took me a while to do a small study, and draw the bridge, added my own water into the pond . After my painting was done, Will Maller, a very respected artist used his own made Golden radial ruler measured my work, seemed everything located by following the Golden rules. Did that mean my composition was perfect? I doubted it.... Had got some compliments from other artists. I think they were very kind and encouraged me. Later I walked further, found out a water lily pond behind, I will be back soon for sure. (August 31 2020)