Seventeen‑year‑old Jazz “Jazz” Lancaster Merton, a student from North Sydney, was one of 53 artists chosen to compete for the title of Australia’s Portrait Artist of the Year.

During the heats she painted singer Casey Donovan in four hours, then impressed the judges with a portrait of Marcia Hines in the semifinal, and finally captured INXS icon Kirk Pengilly in the final, securing the overall win.

The victory brought a life‑changing commission: Jazz was asked to create a portrait of actress and entertainer Justine Clarke for the National Portrait Gallery.

Her rise began earlier, when her self‑portrait “My Name is Jazz” won the 2025 Young Archibald Prize for artists aged 16 to 18, marking her first national recognition.

While completing the Clarke portrait, Jazz balanced school assignments and relied on her school’s support, which allowed her to meet deadlines despite a demanding timetable.

Jazz’s story shows how entering reputable competitions, maintaining a focused practice, and seeking mentorship from educators can accelerate a young artist’s professional trajectory.