Ni Zhu grew up in a small town in southern China. She studied law in Beijing University and came to North America for graduate studies. While still on a career path to become a law professor, Ni encountered the passion of her life, painting. A career change had to happen as she devoted more and more time and energy in art. She has been working towards a MFA degree at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, while taking workshops from master painters such as Huihan Liu, Zhaoming Wu, and Daniel Gerhartz. Ni exhibits frequently with various professional organizations such as Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, and California Art Club. Recent recognition includes the Award of Merit at Women Artists of the West 50th National Exhibition in 2020, the Outstanding Composition and Technique Award of Excellence at the 2017 OPA annual National Exhibition, and the director’s choice award at the 2016 Spring Show of the Academy of Art University.