Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

Wanted to paint at this location for years. It might be one of the largest farmer's market in the South Bay, it attracts many people. Finally I decided to go and quickly made my up mind to paint in the shade. I had an 8"x10" watercolor paper was left over stamp from the Alameda paint out, so it was a good to use for this small study. An old painting friend talked to me, she came to paint as well. Nice of her to take a photo while I was working on the piece. She told me that she would paint nearby the entrance. Many curious people talked and complimented my work. Not every one was polite enough to ask my permission to take photo or capture a video. A lady pretended she saw me somewhere before, her daughter took a video from behind of her. I wonder if it was the right way to teach her child? Finished my small study, bought two kinds of fresh vegetables. dragged my stuff along the market, I could not find my painting friend. Getting crowded so I decided to leave.

"When you follow the dream in your heart, you’re energized, inspired, and motivated.” Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882 American essayist, lecturer, and poet). It was quiet this morning. Not many people passing by. Later getting busier, many trucks stopped to deliver to shops. Wow, it was so warm, about 78 degrees. I finished drinking a whole bottle of water, it reminded me that I really need more water in summer. Again, there was no light on the wall when I started painting. Tiring day from the heat I guess. Santana Row is not only a residential area, also it is a commercial district, full of designer brand shops, bars and restaurants. I used to be a city girl, enjoyed the city life and activities because I was born and raised in one of the oldest cities, Beijing. California life style or maybe living in Silicon Valley, has changed me so much, outdoors for nature and shopping online are my regular activities. I have been to Santana Row only a few times. On the other side from