A brush with acrylic painting

At 11, Hannah Maria Pradeep, a Class VI student of Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram in Kilpauk, is pursuing acrylic painting and portraiture while developing her artistic practice through formal training, exhibitions and participation in national and international art platforms. She is currently training at Dessin Academy partnered with The Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University, where she is learning acrylic and oil painting, portrait drawing, pencil sketching and pen sketching.

Artistic roots

Her interest in art has been influenced by her late grandfather, Jerome Augustes Thomas, a classical artist known for his acrylic and oil paintings during the 1980s and 1990s. Although she did not have the opportunity to learn from him directly, Hannah says his body of work continues to inspire her approach to painting. “Whenever I pick up a brush, I feel as though he is guiding my hand,” says Hannah.

Acrylic is her preferred choice. One of her recent works, The Last Whisper of the Forest, depicts a young deer and reflects themes of wildlife conservation and environmental awareness.

Hannah’s paintings were exhibited at Colourful Expressions 2025, the annual exhibition organised by Dessin Academy, where works by students were displayed before members of the public and the art community.

She also secured the first place in the Upper Primary category of A Virtual Cultural Extravaganza, organised by I2OR India in collaboration with Green ThinkerZ India. In another achievement, she was selected as a Star Artist in Artistic Genesis 2026, an international art event that drew entries from more than 1,200 artists representing 61 countries. According to the organisers, the entries were assessed by an international jury comprising artists from Canada, Egypt and India.

Hannah has participated in The Indian Art Fest, an international platform for young artists, and contributed artwork to the Art for Awareness campaign under the theme India Through My Eyes, which focussed on India’s cultural heritage and environmental consciousness.

She is also a member of the Children’s Art Museum of India and is currently participating in The Giant Hunt, an all-India anime competition associated with a Guinness World Record attempt involving thousands of young participants.

Asked about her artistic journey, Hannah Maria Pradeep said: “I believe every child is born with a special gift. Mine is art. I am thankful to my parents and teachers for encouraging me to pursue my passion and helping me develop my skills.”

Hannah’s mother, Swetha Margaret, an educationist, said encouraging her daughter to pursue art has helped her develop interests beyond academics. “Her interest in art has complemented her academic performance. While education is important, parents should also identify their children’s talents and support them in pursuing their interests.”