Year 3 at St. Bede’s Catholic Primary School have had a fantastic start to their new printmaking unit! This week, pupils explored a range of experimental mark‑making techniques using rollers and paint, discovering how different movements can create unique textures and artistic effects.
The children experimented with a variety of roller actions, including:
- Short rolls
- Long rolls
- Stamping with the roller
- Using the roller on its edge
- Twisting the roller from 180° to 360°
- Cross‑hatching
- Roll – stop – roll – stop techniques
After creating their textured patterns, the class discussed how each technique produced a different effect. This reflective conversation helped pupils “think like artists,” encouraging them to identify what they liked, what surprised them, and which techniques they might want to develop further.
✨ Why not try some roller mark‑making at home?
It’s a simple, creative activity that children love — and it’s a brilliant way to explore texture and pattern. You might also enjoy researching our focus artist for this unit, Neil Bousfield, who uses printmaking to explore landscapes and how they change over time.
What an inspiring start to our printmaking journey — well done, Year 3!