Young Archie finalist Casey Sessions of Norwest Christian College inspired by sister

The oil painting called The Child Within is now on show at the Art Gallery of NSW, alongside four other finalists from over 100 entries in the 16 to 18-year-old category.

Casey, in Year 11 at the Riverstone-based high school, made the painting of her older sister Erin, who she has watched grow, face challenges and overcome them.

“I have painted my sister at the period of her life when responsibilities and stress, gave her less time to enjoy life,” Casey said.

The painting shows Erin, with a younger self whispering in her ear. Casey said this was “to symbolise how as we grow older, we wish to go back to the simpler times in our life, our childhood.”

Casey hopes to make a career out of painting portraits. She is fascinated by the prospect of capturing in her paintbrush and on canvas, the stories our faces reveal.

Casey hopes one day to visit the National Portrait Gallery in London and learn from the ‘Masters’.

The Young Archie exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW runs through to September 9, and the winners will be announced on July 28.

Included in the exhibition are the finalists from the other age categories: 5-8 year olds, 9-12 year olds, and 13-15 year olds.