BBC art show winner Suman Kaur visits her former Leeds primary school

Leeds artist Suman Kaur, who scooped top prize in this year’s Big Painting Challenge on BBC One, visited her former school, Talbot Primary, in Roundhay to meet and chat with pupils about art and her life so far.

Headteacher Parm Gill said held an assembly for students as well as a portrait workshop and spoke of how she has used the school’s motto of ‘Courage, Truth and Loyalty’ in her journey from prosthetics and orthotics professional in the NHS to Big Painting Challenge winner for 2017.

Ms Gill said: “As a school we always welcome past pupils back to our school. Suman’s story however has struck a particular chord with our children. Not only did she experience success in her chosen profession, but she also developed the courage to pursue her dream and talent in a way that we found inspiring as a school.

“Her journey from amateur artist to winner of a national competition inspired our children and showed that with a good dose of ‘courage, truth and loyalty,’ you can become better and achieve great things.”

Suman told the YEP: “It was so lovely to revisit a school that taught me about good values – and still has them – and be able to relive some memories and create more.

“Art is a fantastic way of allowing children to express themselves and build skills of observation.

“The children were well-behaved, imaginative and produced some great pieces of work during the workshops; they also showed remarkable support to one another when working, these life skills are important.