When she is alone, Desi Torres paints scenes inspired by films.

A second-year Elementary Education student, Torres finds peace with painting. 

“I feel like I will do it for the rest of my life, to pass time or calm down,” she said. “I have a table in my basement, and I set everything up to paint there. I’ll find a movie and then I base my painting on the movie.”

Rather than painting a literal scene from the movie, Torres paints a scene that expresses how the film made her feel. As the credits roll, most of her works end as sunsets or galaxies. 

“Art is an exploration of yourself and how you can show your own creativity,” she said.

When the canvas is complete, she keeps it to herself and those closest to her.

“I will show my family members but that’s it,” said Torres.

The passion for paint began when she was 10 years-old, alongside her sisters and aunt.

“We’d have a painting party,” said Torres. “That’s the main root of it.”

The painting parties eventually ended, but Torres’ passion for paints continued.

“It’s my therapy,” she said. “It calms my nerves.”

She said that continued to brush up on her craft through self-teaching.  

“I would look up videos,” said Torres, “It was trial and error.”

Despite her passion for art, Torres is set on becoming a teacher. But she said the art experience might help her there.

“It’s just a pastime and a hobby,” she said. “But I think my creativity will help me make my lessons more fun.”