His artwork Enlightenment was chosen by the National Gallery of Victoria at Melbourne's Federation Square to exhibit at State level for the VCE Season of Excellence showcase.

Another work, which was shortlisted for the exhibition, will be leased for a year and displayed in the foyer of the Department of Education in Melbourne.

Two more works have gone to the Art Gallery of Ballarat for its Next Generation exhibition.

Mr Bricknell said he was "really rapt" by the response to his paintings.

"I was really hoping to get one in Ballarat. It was goal and dream to get one in Melbourne," he said.

He painted Enlightenment 12 months ago and it became part of his school art folio.

"If I had to sum it up, it's about individuality," he said.

"It's a bit of a self portrait as well."

An abstract work that uses bright colours, the acrylic painting was chosen from 4000 entries to be shortlisted for the National Gallery of Victoria.

Only 60 works were eventually chosen for the exhibition.

Mr Bricknell will study year 12 at Daylesford Secondary College this year and plans to study fine arts after graduating from high school.

He describes "abstract" art as his specialty.

"It's my main ambition to be a painter," he said.

Daylesford Secondary College art department head Alec Cimera said Andre had been a terrific art student, right through school.

"He's quite intuitive in the way he works," Mr Cimera said.

"The school is very proud of Andre."