Original Art Stories - Xueling Zou

Every piece before we paint for the event needs to be stamped. My first time to attend an official five-day long Plein Air event. I am the lucky last name on the artist names on the attached flyer. A great way to meet and learn from other artists. Look forward to meeting our local friends. I checked in at Frank Bette Art Center in the morning. It seemed that every artist knew what he/she was doing. My first time I had hard time to organize my own stuff. Met a couple of artists I knew, and met Genie Scot, who manages this event each year. She answered all of my confused questions clearly. I came to the Grand Marian dock, started painting. Felt stiff to paint on the stamped paper. Posting what I have done so far, vertical was the first one, 5"x7", horizontal one I did 2nd, 11"x14". People of Alameda they are nice and friendly. Not only did I got some compliments, but also I think I've got a commission work as well. BTW, I've started to introduce myself as &q

Please view my online galleries @ https://xueling-zou.pixels.com/index.html?tab=galleries This morning painted at a private property in Los Gatos, I was fascinated by the shadow of tree leaves on my paper. I will try to paint abstracts someday, I always want to... Ultramarine blue is always one of my most favorite colors on my palette and in life. I just realize that I have almost run out, have already ordered a new watercolor tube last Friday, keeping my fingers crossed that it will be delivered this week. I don't think I could live without it, especially for the Alameda Plein Air event I am participating in next week. Wish me luck!

My 2nd time I've come here to paint at this beautiful private estate in the Santa Cruz mountains. The owner lady was warm and energetic! The 20 acre estate has three ponds, a beautiful home, amazing flower gardens, vegetable garden, redwood trees, and sculptures, etc.. She has a new project, there will be another lovely garden for hummingbirds and butterflies. I saw many kids' drawing beautiful cars. But I was struggling from the very beginning of the drawing, till came back home studio to fix this antique car. I kept telling myself that they were only shapes, but not sure why I had such a difficult time painting today. Please view my online galleries @  https://xueling-zou.pixels.com/index.html?tab=galleries

I just received my new brush I ordered from   http://www.jerrysartarama.com.   Felt excited to try it, and came back to Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay. It was a warm day, not too windy. I didn't like my last boat painting. but the old rusty fishing boat wasn't parked at the position so I couldn't easily see it. Well, many other boats I could paint were here. Dinner time, there was a clever seal swimming around waiting for food he could get from fishermen. Unfortunately the hairs of my new brush (made in Germany) was immediately spread apart on my first stroke. I didn't have time to feel disappointment, the sun started setting down, the temperature was dropping dramatically that I felt cold. The reflection of the boats was so beautiful, but I knew that I had to continue painting, no time for a photo. I am happy with today's result, loose not stiff, that is the way I like. I guess I have to painting during limited time period.

Today looked like a pleasant day, but it was cold and windy at the location, my second time painting here. There were many little flies sticking on to my wet painting. Six hours painting outdoors, light kept changing, but I could finish this 12"x9" small piece painting. Had to wait till it got drier to fix it. Felt starving, cold and tired... (June 1 2018) This original painting and prints are available   @ https://fineartamerica.com/featured/shoreline-lake-boathouse-mountain-view-california-landscape-16-xueling-zou.html

The 20.1 acre property is the remnant of the California Nursery Company, a once a grand nursery operation that brought notable presence to the East Bay and was significantly associated with the evolution of the nursery industry on a statewide level. The California Nursery Company's history dates back to Jose de Jesus Vallejo (1797-1882) who served as the administrator of the old Mission San Jose and military commander of San Jose. Other notable owners were Jonas Clark (1862), John Rock (1865), Williams Landers (1899) and the George C. Roeding family (1917-1968). Information from the park website: https://www.fremont.gov/325/Historical-Parks-Facilities   (April 11 2018)

Drove down to the location, I was attracted by the red barn for my landscape plein air. It was on a private property, so the best I could do was drag my outdoor painting stuff through the grass making a fresh spring trail. It was a beautiful sunny breezy day after days of rain. I saw the cows grazing off in the distance on the rolling hills, and could hear their lowing. There were rosters and hens song drifted by from the nearby villages, What a peaceful morning in the countryside in California! I enjoyed painting the trees and the red barn I liked and ignoring other things I didn't want them in my work. Yes, I'm proud that I am able to have the freedom to be a creative artist instead of copying others, or copying what have been seen in exact sense. My painting went smoothly, I didn't have to retouch much after returning home.

Really forgetful these days, I didn't bring my brushes, only an old rough one in my new tool box. So, I used my pallet knife and the #8 rough flat brush working on a small panel 8"x10". I was OK, I guess the Chinese Calligraphy training at young age did help me. The only issue that we had experienced a gorgeous 70 degree day yesterday, so i did not bring enough clothing for painting out, especially painting in the wind feeling chilly. And there was no bathroom at this location. Hahaha, the rest story depends on your own imagination.... My original artwork @ https://xueling-zou.pixels.com/galleries.html    OR you can find me @ https://about.me/xuelingzou

It was raining in the morning, I thought that I couldn't paint out, might be stay in bed a little longer... Ended up Google maps directed me to a wrong location. Finally, I found out that we painted warm and dry with the other artists at an artist's gorgeous home. I felt regret that I had chosen today as my first fasting day of the new year. In addition to the wonderful people, there was delicious food, wine and snacks served at this artist's home. Sun came out finally, everything looked more beautiful, but my still life painting wasn't finished... My original artwork @ http://xueling-zou.pixels.com/

"It’s all about the journey, not the outcome." – Carl Lewis There is something in the Olympics, indefinable, springing from the soul, inspires all of us for centuries. We watch the games not because who win the medals. It is about before the dreams brought into reality through ones consistent effort, determination, dedication, and self-discipline/motivation. Especially during the Winter Olympics, there were many of tearful stories behind each champions... Believe it or not, being an artist I feel the same. Like today, it was cold and windy this morning. No one says that I have to go out painting in a cold day. But I know I must do it. No matter the result, I think it is my journey to experience and share. It was warm 78 degree from last week, suddenly it dropped down back to 40's, it was only 57 degree at noon today. Yes, I did it again! More original artwork @ http://xueling-zou.pixels.com/