Macclesfield Primary Schools' Wild Art Champion Nola Campbell put her success down to her 'sheer love of animals.'
After spending a special day with a menagerie of exotic animals at the King's School, the nine-year-old budding Rembrandt from Whirley County Primary drew a smiling chameleon.
The competition was judged by multi-talented Cheshire artist Samantha Baguley who pinpointed young Nola's 'amazing attention to detail' when she elected her the winner in the King's School's annual Primary School's Wild Art competition.
Samantha said: "I was immensely impressed with all the children's animal paintings. They captured the texture, detail and colours of the skins with such skill and detail.
"However, I was particularly impressed with Nola's fine detail and the intricacy of her work. And then, of course, I loved the smile on the chameleon's face, which was such an endearing touch."
Nola, 9, who lives in Macclesfield, said: "I love animals. In fact I am a little bit obsessed by all animals and I loved handling the snakes, bearded dragons, owls and especially the chameleon. I gave it a smile because I thought it had a great personality."
Nola added: "I am not too sure what I want to do when I grow up but I am really happy to win this competition and doing something to do with art is now top of my list."
For the last two week's girls and boys from Year 3 to Year 6 Broken Cross Primary, Wilmslow Prep, Whirley Primary, Park Royal and Upton Priory have seen their artwork exhibited in Macclesfield Library.
It was all inspired by a special day at the King's School looking at the wonders of ancient Egypt and the animals that flourish in those exotic climbs.
They saw a cornucopia of wildlife that was all venerated in the time of the pharaohs. When it was time to pick up the crayons and start drawing Nola captured the dramatic wonder of a chameleon perfectly with skills, mature beyond her years.
"It was colourful," she said, "and really helped me to use my imagination."
Samantha Baguley has been a working artist since her teenage years beginning with family and pet portraits but since developing into breathtaking landscapes, seascapes and architectural pieces working both figuratively and in abstract. She often works to commission but also sells via social media and at the annual Tatton show.
She added: "The art competition is a wonderful idea. It is really important for children to be able to express themselves and develop a love for art.
"Art can get pushed to one side at school, in favour of mathematics and the sciences, and supposedly more academic subjects, but art can give the young mind such joy and it is good to see the King's School encouraging children from across the town and wider area,"
"I hope that many of these children will continue with their passion for art just as I did when I was a young person."
Rachel Cookson, Principal of the King's Infant and Junior Division, said: "Nola's produced a very detailed piece of work and it was an absolute joy to be able to present her with her certificate. The overall standard was exceptional and I hope visitors to the library have enjoyed an exhibition of such rare talent."
Whirley County Primary also won the best overall school award. Nola won a special certificate, some chocolates and a cuddly toy, while the school receives a memorial plaque and toys for all the contestants.