Xin Zhang

Born in Beijing , China, I moved to the United States in 1985 where I was employed as a medical researcher. During this time I discovered my love for drawing and began doing charcoal portraits of students, colleagues and their friends and family. Although I am basically a self-taught artist, I began taking pastel classes on the internet when I retired in 2013. Since that time my passion for pastels has grown and I have been drawing portraits and activities of my neighbors’ children, as well as, photo characters from the internet. Most recently, I have created more than 30 pieces of pastel drawings (24 x 18 inches) of Chinese women in traditional dress, and plan to continue this project until I meet my target of 100 pieces. My art has been both a blessing and a joy in my retirement life.