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

Alameda Plein Air Paint Out 2021 - my 3rd time here Joined the 16th Annual - Alameda Plein Air Paint Out Event from August 2 to 7. It was my third time joining the Plein Air event since 2018. Didn't apply in 2020 as Coivid-19 changed the world. August 1 in the evening, I moved into my host lady Ros' house on Bay farm island. I was so welcome by her, her dog Sparky and three of her bunnies. Not a good first night's sleep, might be the airplanes over head or the new place. Met many artist friends while we checked into the event the next morning. Ross' friendly dog Sparky Always started my first painting at Grand Marina, actually I painted at Fortman Marina at the Alameda Yacht Club. It was a gorgeous morning, met the Club manager Mark. He showed me the watercolor  paintings his grandmother and his mother did in his office and told me that he was an artist too. People were passing by and gave me some compliments. I remembered to give them the flyers inviting them t