A FORMER pupil of Alec Reed Academy in Bengarth Road, Northolt, has appeared in a fine art competition on Sky Arts TV.

Palanivel Kumaravel, 19, left the Academy with an A* in A-level Art and is remembered there for his outstanding photo-realistic sketches.

Portrait Artist of the Year is presented by Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell, and Palanivel featured on episode 8, aired on March 6.

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The contestants portrayed actor Sir Derek Jacobi and, at the end of their allotted four hours, Sir Derek selected the two portraits he liked the most. One was Palanivel’s.

“He mentioned to the judges that I captured his essence perfectly,” said Palanivel. I wanted the fact that he is an actor to be portrayed in the portrait so I made the background bright to symbolise a spotlight.

“My work was also on the banner advertising the competition outside The Wallace Collection Gallery, where it was filmed.

Palanivel is now studying for a foundation degree in Fine Art at Kensington and Chelsea College.