An 82-year-old woman draws and sells Chinese zodiac cartoons by the roadside. [China Youth Daily/Huang Liang]

An 82-year-old woman, who draws and sells Chinese zodiac cartoons by the roadside in a central hutong district of Beijing, has attracted much attention recently.

China Youth Daily interviewed the street painter on Sunday.

A drawing board; several pieces of paper; and, a pen and a rubber - these are the tools of the trade used by the old lady surnamed Wang to make a living.

Wang says that she came to Beijing half a month ago. She used to vendor in other cities to support her husband who suffers from cancer and their mentally-challenged son.

"At my age, there are not too many things that I can do. I just hope to make more by selling thedrawings and send the money back home," Wang said.

Many people came to support her business after reading her story online.

"These cartoons are quite lovely. Unlike beggars, this grandma earns money with her hands, so we're all willing to help," said a senior high school student who bought an ox drawing.

Wang arrives early in the morning and leaves in the late afternoon. It usually takes her half an hour to make one drawing. She sells dozens of pieces every day, each being sold at 10 yuan (U.S.$ 1.5).

During weekends when many tourists visit a nearby scenic spot, Wang's business is better, and demands for her drawings often exceed supply. Hearing all the paintings have sold out, several college students who came specially left some money quietly before leaving.

However, the woman also has her worries. "I often worry about the place to set up my stall as vendorsare not allowed on many streets," Wang explained.

According to Wang, she lives in a hotel and goes back by train to visit her husband and son every 20 days.

"I don't want to trouble the government or other kind people, and too much money is of no use to me. I only hope to earn money enough for basic living," Wang added.

(Source: Xinhua/Translated and edited by Women of China)

By Liu YangEditor: Joyce Dong