Zhao is a self-taught oil painter specializing in portraiture and figurative work. Her practice draws deeply from emotional and symbolic realms, with a growing focus on psychological transformation and inner narrative.
Rainny’s work has been recognized multiple times by the Oil Painters of America (OPA), including:
- Award of Excellence, OPA Western Regional Exhibition (2024)
- Most Original Award of Excellence, OPA Western Regional (2023)
- Award of Excellence, OPA National Wet Paint Competition (2024 & 2023)
- Third Place, OPA Fall Online Showcase (2023)
She has exhibited in the following OPA shows:
- OPA 33rd National Exhibition (2024)
- OPA National Juried Salon Exhibition (2024)
- OPA Western Regional Exhibition (2024, 2023)
- OPA 32nd National Exhibition (2023)
Beyond OPA, Rainny is also a national exhibitor and award recipient with several major organizations:
- American Impressionist Society (AIS) – National Exhibiton (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Portrait Society of America – Finalist, Member Only Competition (2024); Ninth Place, (2022);
- Art Renewal Center (ARC) – Semi-Finalist, 17th International ARC Salon (2024)
She received classical training at the Florence Academy of Art and has studied with renowned painters Fengshi Jin, Daniel Garharz, and John Michael Carter through intensive workshops. She also participated in the Art Quarantine program in Spain, further deepening her technical and conceptual foundation.
Her work continues to explore the threshold between seen and unseen realities, merging classical technique with a contemporary sensitivity.