With her mother and older sisters painting and drawing around her, it was only natural she became the kind of kid who scribbled on everything.

Now in her final year of high school, Juliette has started to make a mark in the local art scene, with the Forster youngster finishing runner-up in the open category of the 2019 Pacific Palms Art Festival.

She was also awarded a highly commended prize and was praised by judge and National Art School director Steve Alderton for the detail in her work.

"I was pretty stoked," Juliette admitted.

"I didn't think I'd get it."

With the positive result behind her the young artist is now focussing on her major work for her Year 12 visual arts folio - a series of portraits of herself and four of her sisters that pays tribute to the artistic streak that runs through her family.

"It's about our connections and our bonds, but also our different identities," she said.

While much of Juliette's recent work has focussed on female subjects, she said it wasn't just women she was interested in, but rather people in general.

"I like capturing their faces and personalities," she said.

"I'm interested in identity."

With life beyond school looming fast, the young artist is yet to decide whether she'll pursue her talent as a career.

While her mum believes she should apply to the National Art School, she admits she's also considering studying paramedicine or marine biology.

But regardless of what she chooses to do, it's unlikely she'll ever stop drawing.

"I like how it makes me feel," she said.

"Like I've accomplished something of my own."

You may also like:

Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.