"Wuzhen Canal 3 (Day 3)"

This is another large painting (36" x 24") in progress. I like this composition. It has three layers: the far field, mid field, and the near field. I have given enough details on the boat, but I have not worked on the edges.

Currently, I have 6 large paintings going simultaneously. I work on one for a while then work on another one. Progress is rather slow, but I have a little everyday. Now I have felt that painting is a rather labor intense work. I wish I have more energy. It is very different from my old discipline of small daily paintings. I use to finish a painting in a couple of hours.

"AAU Figure Painting Homework 1 (Day 5)"

This is the 5th day I have worked on this 24" x 36". I got pretty sick of it now. My hand and mind are all being tied up. The progress is so minimal. I don't think I can get everything I want from a single painting, so I am going to call it done. In general I felt OK with the proportion, anatomy, form, value, and unity. I have exhausted my energy to deal with edges, color, designs, and paint works. I am going to turn this painting in as my first homework. On Zhaoming's figure class, we only have two homework assignments. This one and the final project. Even though this painting made me working really hard, but I am very happy I have achieved this major milestone in my art career.

This morning I walked to the studio (I usually take school shuttle or Muni). I climbed the steep Jones Street. After I got on the top of hill and panting, I saw the beautiful scene of the Fisherman's Wharf and the ocean. Similarly in my art journey, AAU is one of the hilltops. Before I got there I saw it is my destination. The road ends there. But now, I am arrived at this hilltop. I see the road is keeping going and leads me to another destination. Here at AAU, my painting is very mediocre, I have met a few very talented young artists. I will introduce their work to you when I get a chance.

"AAU Figure Painting Homework 1 (Day 1)"

Today is Wednesday, and I don't have any class. I went to the studio anyway because I have homework to do. For the figure painting class we need to paint two large paintings from photos we take . This is the largest figure painting I have ever done. The size is 24" x 36". It felt very different from doing 5" x 7", which I do most of the time before. I used a projector projecting my photo on the wall so I could measure. The pose was rather standard, so I didn't have much of problem getting the proportion and anatomy correctly. Then I practiced my recently obtained modeling skills making the 3D form. I painted 7 hours today. I maybe at the half way point now. I will finish this homework over the weekend.