Marbling and Colour Mixing
To develop colour mixing understanding and artistic creativity through marbling techniques.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Creates marbled effects
- Experiments with colour placement
- Responds aesthetically to patterns
- Understands each print is unique
Materials
- Shallow trays of water
- Food colouring or marbling inks
- Oil (baby oil or cooking oil)
- White paper cut to tray size
Instructions
Prepare marbling trays: fill shallow trays with water. Drop small amounts of oil and food colouring onto the surface. Watch the mesmerising patterns that form — show children first before they touch.
Let children add more drops of colour: 'Choose your colours! Drop them in slowly... watch what happens! The colours don't mix in the water — they make patterns!'
Children swirl the surface gently with a stick or their finger: 'Swirl it... look at the patterns! What do you see?' The patterns are hypnotically beautiful and children respond with genuine aesthetic appreciation.
Make prints: lay a piece of white paper on the water surface, lift carefully, peel back: 'LOOK! The pattern has transferred to the paper! It's like magic!' The print is always a surprise.
Discuss the unique quality of each print: 'No one else's will look exactly the same. These are completely unique!' This introduces the concept of original artwork.
Display marbled papers as artwork or use as backgrounds for further decoration. Children are enormously proud of these beautiful results.