Xander Buchanan’s artist talent is turning heads.
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His paintings have not only captured the interest of his local school and community, but also a NSW Department of Education representative who selected one of his artworks to display at the district office.
It was one of a series of artworks created by the 12 year-old Conargo Public School student as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) program.
The school’s relieving teaching principle Kylie Charlton said a lot of people have been amazed that a Year 6 student could create such a “fantastic” piece.
“He did a quick verbal outline of what he wanted to do and then just created it,” she said.
“It was amazing how quickly he put it together.”
Xander said he used balloons to create the artwork, which was painted on a piece of wood - he’s never painted on canvas, only cardboard and paper at home.
“Practically, I just make a weird texture and I put like a round thing over it, and then I do the rest around it,” he said.
“I saw like a couple of videos and then I thought I'd try it and see if I'm actually good, and I am.”
Ms Charlton said Xander has always been very good at drawing small pen-like doodles.
Earlier this year he’d shown her one of his pictures, which is now hanging in the classroom above her desk.
“The one he's created at school will display permanently at the school,” she said.
“He did another one that was framed and that's currently in the Deni district office till the end of the year.”
That artwork was personally selected by NSW Department of Education director of educational leadership Helen McRae on one of her visits to the school.
“We talked about some ways that we could support Xander, and she said she'd love to have a piece of his art in the district office,” Ms Charlton said.
Ms Charlton said the HPGE program supports students who have shown talent in certain learning areas.
It aims to provide an opportunity for them to excel in their special interests.
Ms Charlton said the programs are not just about students who may fall into the “gifted category”, but also for students who show potential in a lot of areas as well.
“(It’s about) giving them that extra to help them achieve above and beyond,” she said.
Xander’s father, Keith Buchanan, said his son became interested in art about a year ago and has created all his artworks on his own.
But he’s not sure where his talent comes from.
“Nobody else does it for him, nobody else shows him,” he said.
“So whatever he's produced has been straight out of his own head.
“I'm not that way inclined at all, so no, he didn't get it from me.
“I haven't seen his mother (Christine) that way inclined either.”
Mr Buchanan said he was a big sports person and initially encouraged Xander to try sport.
“But it’s not about me and what I want, it’s about him and what he wants.”
“I couldn't have asked for a better kid,” he said.
Xander is one of 12 students attending Conargo Public School, and is the only Year 6 student.
But Mr Buchanan said the small school is a great environment for his son.
“Out there, they’re individuals,” he said.
“And I think Xander has come along absolutely marvellously.
“He's really comfortable out there and those teachers help him immensely.”
Mr Buchanan is glad he chose to send his son to Conargo Public School and said Xander’s NAPLAN tests show “he hasn't lost anything out there”.
Ms Charlton describes Xander as a very inquiring student who always wants to learn more and extend himself.
“If he learns something new, he loves to share that with everybody else,” she said.
“I've also found a lot with Xander doing this project, it's increased his leadership abilities.
“So he's teaching the other kids to do Minecraft and setting up his own mini lessons with the aim to help him develop that leadership moving forward into high school.”
Guardian Australia intern at the Deniliquin Pastoral Times