Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

Took a break and didn't go to the studio yesterday, I felt relaxed a little bit. The rain finally stopped, and it was clear but windy.  Drove to the Half Moon Bay Nursery but missed it because there are many other similar nurseries on the same road.  Got out of  the car to ask a guy working inside, and wanted to use the restroom.  The guy told me the directions nicely.   Got there and found a doorway to set up my painting stuff, so I could paint inside because it was quite windy outside.  I liked the way I could see the outside greenhouses in a row, and there was a single tool laying against an empty table.  A guy working for the nursery wanted to remove the tool, but he changed his mind after he saw the tool was in my painting. Took me three hours to paint this one, after all I always think that I should do another one, but I felt tired.  On the way back, I saw the snow was still on top of the mountains, snap shots for memory.   (March 1 2023)

Believe or not, I was so excited to go and paint at the Half Moon Bay Nursery this morning. Not only because I am a plant lover and love gardening work, but also it is my first time ever to get in. So many times I wanted to stop while passing by, always thought that would be next time over at least a decade. A gorgeous day, it was warmer actually, and I overdressed. Morning light was gorgeous. Forgot my long-term allergies, I didn't feel anything beside a little hot, not even a sneeze during my painting there about two hours even with all of the flowers. Workers were busy fixing the nursery, serving the customers and moving plants. So many beautiful and varieties at the store, I wondered why there were so many shoppers in and out during the weekday morning. (October 27 2021)

A gorgeous sunny warm day after the rains. First time at this location. I love plants, and it was not easy to me to start painting. Had to remind myself many times that I was here to paint, not shopping for plants. Then I decided to paint this large blue pot with a 'natives" sign inside the pot. Love this blue color, and all the native plants surrounding it. Didn't remember any of those names... Do you love plants?