Nael Hanna was born in Neneveh, Northern Iraq and is of mixed culture – Greek and Christian Orthodox. From an early age he showed interest in art spending much of his childhood studying and drawing animals, birds and people. He studied Petroleum Studies at College before being drafted into the Army to serve in the Iraq – Iran War.
Nael continued to paint throughout his military service and won an award from the Ministry of Education in Baghdad to study art in Britain. In 1983 he commenced a language and foundation art course at Southampton before being accepted for a degree in Fine Art at Duncan Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee.
In 1987 he was awarded a place at the prestigious Hospitalfield in Arbroath and it was during this time that he developed his passion for the east coast of Scotland with its ever-changing weather and light and its dramatic coastal scenery. He graduated in 1989 and travelled to Florence after winning a scholarship from the Royal Scottish Academy (John Kinross Scholarship).
After qualifying MPhil in Art at Dundee he became a lecturer in the Fine Art Department of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and then became Artist in Residence at Anton House day centre in Broughty Ferry – a charity providing care services to adults with physical disabilities.
His work developed and a string of prizes and awards followed, most notably,
1st Prize in the Dundee 800 Art competition and the Zonta International Prize, Aberdeen Arts Society.
Over the years Nael has exhibited regularly at the RGI, RSA, SSA and SAAC and has had numerous solo shows. He has exhibited in London and the South of England. His work is instantly recognisable and distinctive with rich texture and a unique colour palate.
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