Year 6 pupils from Rotherhithe Primary were treated to an inspiring artistic adventure this week following their recent STEAM careers assembly. After hearing professional artist Rod Kitson speak passionately about his creative journey, the class travelled to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre to visit his working studio and see his latest pieces up close.
Inside the studio, pupils were met with vibrant canvases, detailed sketches and works‑in‑progress that revealed the careful craft behind Kitson’s style. The young visitors were captivated by the chance to observe how a professional artist experiments with composition, colour and detail in real time.
Kitson took time to explain his process, demonstrating how each artwork begins with careful observation—a skill Year 6 have been developing throughout their own art lessons. Pupils noted how he studies proportions, shadows and subtle details before committing anything to canvas.
One of the highlights of the visit was seeing how Kitson uses viewfinders, a tool pupils recognised instantly from their classroom practice. Kitson explained how isolating a section of a scene helps him refine focus and plan stronger compositions. Children were delighted to see that a technique they often use in school plays a key role in professional artmaking.
They also watched as Kitson sketched ideas to explore layout and scale, mirroring many of the approaches pupils have used when planning their own artwork this term. The trip strengthened the link between classroom learning and real‑world practice, giving pupils a powerful example of where creativity can lead.
He is creative as he can create art from everyday objects
-Arilena
He perseveres with his art as he goes back to art pieces that he started years later
-Ava
His artwork tells me that he might enjoy cooking
-Skylah
