Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

Besides being caught in not surprising traffic on U.S. Route 101 as usual, it was a nice breezy morning at the location. Walked around and instantly decided to paint those sailboats parked there. Might Be that I didn't paint enough boats at the event in Alameda, it was only ten days ago. It meant that I was physically recovered from exhausted. As an artist, I think that it is very important to be creative. So I decided not to paint all the boats parking in a row, and "moved" the warehouse building behind the three boats I painted. The composition of this painting looked better than exactly what was in front of my eyes. Saw several other artists painted there as well. Only talked a few, they seemed to all have found what they wanted to paint. (August 15 2024)

Didn't feel well for days, my fist time painting at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont in the afternoon today. It was very hot, 102 degrees. And it was quite windy! But no matter what kind of weather condition it can not stop Plein Air painters. So happy to see some of my painting friends from California Art Club, Elle Howard, Richard Lindenberg, Paul Kratter, Robyn Leimer, Abby Zhang, etc. Finally, we could hug and shake our hands, fifteen months of lock down time was over. After a short catch up, we found our own spots to paint. The wetland was not my typical scene to paint, it was challenging for me. I forgot to bring my clips, borrowed two from Abby. I kept the painting loose. Great to have Paul Kratter's professional feedback. Always so much to learn from other artists! What a fun afternoon to catch up with others! (June 18 2021)

Very early morning, drop my husband off at the SFO domestic tunnel Because my 90ish years old father-in-law wasn't doing well, wished to see his children... I decided to paint in San Francisco. Sounded exciting, first my car GPS won't show the direction, and my Smartphone T-Mobil service wasn't connected stable. Driving in the dark on route #101, I didn't get lost dear heaven. Arrived at the location 6:40am, the street lights were still on, only saw one another on the beach. Lucky the public restroom was open and the sensor lights were turned on. Not mention it was only 50 degrees outside, I really didn't want to standing in front of the water. Around 7am, all the street lights were off, it was super gray. Started a small study, a couple runners passing by, one said "Are you going to paint the gray?" It was so true, barely saw any other colors, and it was freezing cold, even I had my winter jacket on. I kept reminding myself positively, what a great opport...

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)

My newly finished original oil painting on canvas, 36"x24"x1.5", "Jazz San Francisco", was inspired by Blues and Jazz musicians and their soulful music! I posted a basic drawing on Facebook before (https://www.facebook.com/zxling1). I am very lucky to live in the Bay Area, California.  Each year we could join many Music or Art and Wine Festivals.  We could experience the all kinds music or see many styles of art from all over the world and from the locals.  Being a part of the audience at many shows, I think Blues and Jazz music are the best.   The musicians could let us feel their souls from their beautiful and expressive playing or singing.  Slowly, I get to know more and deeper. Still, I remember that I didn't like the life here for a long time.  I was so disappointed and expressed it through my artwork "San Francisco Moments", which I created in 2012.  Far away from family and friends.  It seems that no-one could really understood ...