The 15-year-old St Joseph's Regional College student submitted a winged leopard artwork entitled 'Mechanimal' against 448 art entries for the competition earlier this year.

The year nine student said he's been painting since he was three years old including images of sea creatures, stick figures and people.

"I've started to make my drawings more real and explore more in depth things to draw," he said.

"I take photos of the landscape, crop it into the image I want and then paint it on canvas or draw it on paper. Usually I just to free land it first though.

"I'm thinking of doing something with art when I finish school but sometimes it's hard to sell art. I'd like to do something creative. Painting is very calming and it's something I'd like to continue."

Heo said he's sold some artwork to friends and through a family friend's art store.

St Joseph's Regional College visual arts teacher Tracy Pares said Heo produces artwork well above expected levels for his age.

"He's humble and lovely in class. He's like a little sponge and seeks feedback all the time," Mrs Pares said.

"I've been teaching for about 22 years and you can see he's a bit of a prodigy. He's probably the most capable student I've taught in over 20 years practical wise."

This year's competition exhibition is shown as an online exhibition from July 31 to August 16.

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