Aboriginal Acrylic Dot Painting Inspiration

Today I introduced my love for Australian Aboriginal Acrylic Dot Painting. I've studied this art form for years. It has been the inspiration of my own modified method of painting. When I introduce this technique I share examples of real Aboriginal paintings and photos of some of the incredible artists that produce unbelievable work. 

Each Student for this project had a few instructions to follow and then they were off on their own. 

1) Draw a simple outline of a lizard and paint it black.

2) Then paint around it with dots. They could use either the back end of the paint brush or a cotton swab.

3) They were told to explore color patterns and try to keep their dots consistent in size.

I was very proud of the results:

Acrylic - 6th Grader

Acrylic - 4th Grader

Acrylic - 4th Grader

Acrylic - 5th Grader 

Artist in Residence Dingle Elementary

Leatherback Sea Turtle,  By: Xitlaly - 5th grade

I recently completed an Artist in Residence program at Dingle Elementary in Woodland, CA. I split 18 hours of class time between three classes of 5th graders over three weeks.

Using my endangered species book, "Through Endangered Eyes - a poetic journey into the wild" as an example, my goal was to create a book that the students would write and illustrate about California endangered species. 

Each student was assigned a different animal. I spent three hours with each class writing poetry. The poems were four line stanzas, which two lines rhymed. I devoted three hours with each class painting. We used my style of painting, a mosaic acrylic dot painting approach in front of a sponge painted background.

The results were surprising, fascinating and magical.

Here are a few of my favorite poems and paintings from the students.

Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Endangered)

By: Anyeli C. (5th grade)

I have the pattern of a leopard,

                              and my snout is flat.

      Yes, just like a leopard, but

                    of course I’m not a cat.

California Condor (Endangered)

By: Mason T. (5th grade)

The California Condor

              has a bald head.

   California condors

          will eat stuff that’s dead.

California Red-Legged Frog (Threatened)

By: Jessie (4th grade)

You usually find me 

         in the Bay.

                  I use my eyes 

                          to track my prey.

Alameda Whipsnake, - By: Gerardo - 5th grade

California Clapper Rail, - By: Eli - 4th grade

In the Classrooms

READING MY BOOK

I wanted to start including some images as people read the book in other locations or places I visit. If you read my book at a school group, please email me your photo:)

The first photo is a Librarian in Ulladula, Australia NSW. My Aunt Nancy is a teacher in the elementary school and sent it to me. The group of Australian kids look so interested:)

The second photo I took today as the kids finished placing paper feathers on a drawing I did of a full-sized California Condor.The oooo's and ahhhh's are so great when I roll out the bird. The kids can't believe just how large the condor is. I hope to fill the bird with feathers placed on there by the different classes I present the book to.

Again, if you read my book in a school, send me a photo:)