Young Sydney artist Jessica Thompson's ear to ear smile says it all as the 14-year-old reels in the excitement of being named one of four winners in the 2017 Young Archie competition.
The year nine student was awarded top prize in the 13 to 15 years category at the Art Gallery of New South Wales award ceremony on Saturday, along with Poppy Barnes (five to eight years), Claire Shin (nine to 12 years) and Chantelle Que (16 to 18 years).
The competition invited budding artists aged 5-18 to paint someone special to them, with the 20 finalists' paintings to be hung in the Sydney gallery alongside work from the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes until October 22.
Jessica told AAP she was "absolutely amazed" to have won for her portrait of her 11-year-old sister titled Eva.
The young artist says she chose her sibling because "she always brightens my day whenever she smiles".
But the northern beaches high school student said she decided to challenge herself and reveal a different side of her normally smiley and playful sister.
"She's so exuberant, I wanted to show something more thoughtful and quiet," she told AAP.
Chantelle Que's untitled winning entry. Source: Art Gallery NSW
Art Gallery of New South Wales director Michael Brand told AAP they received more than 2000 entries for the Young Archie, making it tougher to win than the actual Archibald Prize.
He said the entries were full of treasures and beautiful stories.
"It's remarkable to watch the Young Archie competition ignite the creativity of gifted young people from across Australia and see their expressive entries enjoyed by thousands of visitors to the annual Archibald Prize," Mr Brand said.
