Although freshman Olivia Zhao is new this year, people already know her for what she loves to do: painting and drawing. From a Facebook photo album labeled “My Art” to making drawings for friends, Zhao’s art has gained her some unexpected attention throughout Wayland High School.

Zhao has been drawing for the majority of her life, so last year she decided expand her horizons and try painting.

“I get really into it, and when I start I can’t stop,” said Zhao. “I painted for thirteen hours over the summer for about two days straight. It was really fun.”

Her most recent painting is one of Japanese culture and it features cherry blossoms, a clear blue sky and a Japanese-style home. Zhao decided to portray Japan because she was born there and calls it one of her favorite places in the world.

Though Zhao has only completed three paintings, she has already cemented her painting process. First, for inspiration, Zhao looks to other artists, pieces and her surroundings. She then tries to incorporate these into her work. Zhao begins to create the painting by making a sketch on canvas, then she adds the background and finally, the acrylic paint.

“I’m more used to drawing, but painting is really fun,” said Zhao. “My favorite thing about [creating art] is seeing the final product after all the hard work and effort I put into it.”

Although Zhao has only entered school-wide art competitions so far, she is interested in participating in larger ones as well, especially since she’s had previous success.

“I entered this art contest in 7th grade, and I didn’t know what I was doing, but I still won,” said Zhao.

Lately, Zhao hasn’t been able to paint and draw as much as she wants to. The high school workload, volleyball and dance are a lot to juggle and Zhao has found adding art to the mix to be more challenging than she anticipated.

“I haven’t painted for a while because it takes a while to set up,” said Zhao. “When I start something, I want to finish it the next day and since I don’t really have much time right now, I can’t start a painting.”

But, when Zhao does start painting, she is in her element.

“I feel like I’m in a really good mood, and nothing can stop me from what I’m doing,” said Zhao.