Promising young Dunsborough artist Leyla Allerton’s work will be showcased in the annual Year 12 Perspectives exhibition.
The collection comprises of works from the best, brightest and most talented graduating high school artists in WA.
In 2018, 55 works from students across the state will be displayed.
Leyla’s crayon and ink creation, Little Brother, is a portrait of her younger sibling, Louis.
The St Mary MacKillop College graduate said it was ‘pretty cool’ to be selected for the prestigious showcase.
“I am really excited to attend the opening,” she said.
“I remember going to Perspectives and being overwhelmed and daunted by all the art so it is hard to believe that I’m in it,” she said.
Leyla studied art as an ATAR subject, something she said was hard work but worth it.
“It is very time consuming,” she said.
“You have to produce two major pieces plus a lot of supporting work.”
The model student excelled in the subject and her visual diary was used as a guide for this year’s Year 12 students.
She was even invited back to the school to give advice to the 2018 ATAR art students.
Artistic qualities run in Leyla’s family.
Her mother is a sculpter, her father a graphic designer and her grandparents are art lecturers.
Leyla’s works have been inspired by people from an early age.
She started drawing the Japanese comic style, Manga, before moving on to more realistic imagery.
Leyla said she didn’t believe she had a distinct style, but couldn’t denying being drawn to portraits.
“I love getting the human form right – I find it very satisfying,” she said.
“I’m drawn to life, I find it moving and find that I can express myself better with portraits and people than other styles.”
The 18-year-old is currently taking a gap year before attending the University of WA to further her studies.
While she doesn’t plan to study art, she said she would continue to explore her creativity.
“For me, art has always been a hobby,” she said.
“I do it for myself.
“When I go to Perth, I’d like to do some different art classes to meet people and learn some techniques.”
Year 12 Perspectives is on display at the Art Gallery of WA from March 17 to July 16.
Works range from paintings and drawings to sculptures, digital moving images, photography and textiles.
This year’s judging panel featured Art Teachers Association of WA president Leith Elliott, artist Nathan Beard and Art Gallery of WA projects associate curator Dunja Rmandić.