BUDDING artists picked up their paintbrushes this week to create masterpieces inspired by the Romans.

Rodbourne Cheney Primary School pupils got involved in the Take One Picture project run by London’s National Art Gallery.

Using Rubens 1630 classic A Roman Triumph as inspiration for their work, the school’s 255 pupils created their own masterpieces from clay, paint and chalk.

After a six-week project the finished pieces were exhibited to proud parents.

School community tutor Ida Coombs said she was delighted with the children’s efforts.

“They have really enjoyed doing something different, learning about art and different methods and creating something spectacular,” she said.

“We wanted them to create a picture that tells a story.

“It gives them the chance to be creative and allows them to be imaginative and do something different as opposed the normal focus on literacy and numeracy.”

Rubens’ painting, which depicts a typical Roman scene with musicians, dancers and animals, gave inspiration to the children who expressed their creativity in many different artforms.

“We want them to imagine the sounds of the people, the growls of the animals, the instruments played by the musicians," said Ida.

“We have created a pretty exciting and inspiring opportunity for the children which they have really enjoyed getting involved in and they have really shone in their projects.

Decorative Indian covers for elephants, known as caparisons, were also seen on display along with clay Roman inspired busts.

The project was created and overseen by Ida, arts co-ordinator and year three teacher Hannah Pajak-McCance and principal Lauren Costello.

It aims to explore ways in which paintings can be used in the classroom and develop pupils confidence.

The children also wrote text to accompany the images to explain what their inspiration was.

“It excites them, it’s inspiring and it encourages them to use their imagination in a way they never would have done before,” said Ida.

A selection of the best artworks will go on display in the National Gallery and on their website next summer

Ida said: “I am really proud of all the hard work they have put, there are some great pieces so we hope we are selected for the main prize next year.”