Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

Came to one of my favorite places to paint in the afternoon. Just because I thought the subject I wanted to paint was more interesting in the afternoon light. But two main things I had forgotten, one was my paper towels, I only had two pieces super soft napkins handy. The other thing was heavy truck traffic around where I painted. It was a very noisy intersection, endless trucks passing by. Also it was windy, and I was facing the west direction, felt the sun always shone on my eyes. I guessed it was good for erasing the unnecessary details. A couple of passengers passing by, they were curious what I was doing. The result was good enough. And I had to run for the restroom, lol...because there wasn't public one nearby.

Portrait study has been one of my favorite practices in painting. Personally, I am interested in studying African American faces, and have taken many photos for my reference. Their face structure and color tones are very expressive. I just have started painting from life models, most of them are Caucasians so far. I have found their skin tone is more challenging to me to paint, also the colors we see and paint indoors under light are so much different the everything we see outdoors. Honestly, the one on the left was after my third major correction on the original painting based on a 3-hour session.

Add caption The model looked a very experienced one, confident and stayed still well. Found out she was a preforming artist, would act in "The Mystery of Edwin Rrood" from Feb.27 to Mar.15 at Lohman Theater. Brought a used canvas panel, red color treated background seemed to be perfect fit into painting her. Slowly learning time management on figure study, usually three-hour section. I was mostly happy for the result.

I was very happy that the owner of the shop bought my original Plein Air work. His wife told me that my painting meant so much to him and his family. He was the forth or fifth generation owned the shop. He was so proud of his family business, also he already used my painting picture as his smart phone's screen saver. All my hard work is worth it just for hearing such a heartwarming story.

Drove to Santa Cruz in the foggy morning, surprisingly caught into traffic, because of one lanes was closed on Route 17. Very difficult decision which subject to paint, they were all beautiful with very interesting reflections. And boats could sail away if I only focus one... Beautiful day but cold, air was so fresh at the harbor. Sun was strong shone on my watercolor paper and reflected into my eyes. Luckily I brought my Plein Air umbrella. My umbrella was blown into the water when I painted here last time. So I made sure it was set up properly. Tired, left before 2 pm, almost no traffic all the way back home.

This figure study mostly was done in a three-hour section at the art studio the day before. I only brought a portrait canvas panel, but the model posed so inspiring though for a square panel... lucky I had an old one painted from last week in my car. Today, I did a little retouch, but spent a long time trying to figure out how to paint her delicate and relaxed hands. Difficult to get right without the model being present, now I'm stuck...

Silicon valley is famous for high tech and multi-cultural for sure. It was only 37 degrees in the morning, I really didn't want to go out. After a short hesitation, I drove to the location again, not far from where I live. There are many streets named after the greatest masters near the orchard. I turned into Manet Dr, turned to Michelangelo Dr, passed by Rembrandt, Picasso, Matisse, Sargent, Chopin, etc... I wonder why and who decided to name all the streets? Anyway, felt instantly inspired and started my painting. To me, the process of creating art is my meditation. Following my feeling and inner visual voice are more important queues than painting what is exactly in front of my eyes. So I concentrated on my work... "Your painting looks nice!". I jumped and almost screamed, an Indian lady wearing a Sari behind me said so, and I scared her away. Than we apologized to each other, started laughing... Later, a softer voice in a Japanese accent , "Do you come here to ...

2nd time I've come to this location, last time probably half a year ago. Really wanted to paint different scenes than the previous visit. Ended up I painted the same barns, only about 25 to 30 degrees differently than last time. It was a little bit windy and felt chilly in the shade. I thought that the one white car could balance the layout, actually there was a parking lot next to the building. The landscape plants were higher than the parking lot, the figures I put into the work looked confusing, how do you think? Also, my painting needs more contrast. Shall I add more darkness?

Super foggy morning usually means a nice sunny day here. All the apricot trees are blooming yet, only started having buds. Seeing tree branches in winter is one of my favorite things, believe it or not. Even better to paint them here. My half-year allergy just started recently. Yesterday saw Tim Saternow's demo. Planned to try some tips he shared with us. But my own painting habit was not easy to break. Will remember to try next time...

It was a busy week for sure! Tuesday I tried to finish the figure study at home studio, but there was still some correction needed... Wednesday, went to see Barbara Tapp's very inspirational demo organized by CWA, great way to learn from her. Did a quick sketch of her. Thursday started another new figure study, still in the very beginning process. Thanks to the model Dan for collecting the original portrait I painted. What a generous gentleman, I sincerely thanks to his support and encouragement. After that, went to a gallery opening, only chatted with a couple of artists, felt so tired and hungry, went home eat. Good night.h the figure study at home studio, but there was still some correction needed... Wednesday, went to see Barbara Tapp's very inspirational demo organized by CWA, great way to learn from her. Did a quick sketch of her. Thursday started another new figure study, still in the very beginning process. Thanks to the model Dan for collecting the original portrait ...