Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

Lovely sunny day in Half Moon Bay. Set up my easel on a wine barrel and painted the grapevines in front of me. Another artist was sketching, of course she had became part of my painting. Lucky I painted the water fountain last time. Now, several Mexican guys were working on that area. Standing next to the them, I could hear the happy music they were listening to, and their conversation, though I had no idea what they said in Spanish, sounded very positive. So I painted it with a joyful and gorgeous environment. (June 9 2021)

Dressed very warm to paint at this lovely winery, because it was only 50ish degrees. Looked like a lovely garden with beautiful blooming flowers. Found the subject and a spot, I talked a little loud that I wished the sun would come up, so I could capture the contrast of the light and shadow in the landscape. But my painting spot wasn't in the shade,  and when the sun really came out, it shone onto my extra white Fabiano Artistico 140b Cold press watercolor paper. I had to follow the light to keep moving. After I moved under a tree, the sun hid under clouds. Back and forth a couple of times, it might be the sun was playing game with me since I asked for it? Such a nice place, and I wanted to come and paint for a long time each time I was passing by on the way to Half Moon Bay. Certainly, I will be back soon again. (June 2 2021) I went to the same location to Plein Air again a week later, they had the major construction going on surround the fountain...

Gorgeous day, surprised that it was not crowded with such inspiring scenery on a Sunday, though it was a bit windy. Struggled to paint the rocks. Suddenly a young boy jumped next to me and he told me my painting was amazing. That always feels encouraging when an artist was trying to figure out what to do. Wind was getting stronger, the waves started to splash onto my easel and me, which I took as a message to stop.  (April 21 2019)