page 1

I was so impressed with the patterns I saw in Australia that I would like you to do some art work for me this month. I'd like you to make an A4 panel of Aboriginal Art, by hand or using the computer. I have some ideas for you below. If you have a computer, try the following...

1. I have found a good Website for you to explore with your teacher or Mum and Dad. Log on to www.ozemail.com.au/~aaia/index.htm. While you are browsing, have your sketchbook handy so that you can sketch any patterns, colours and motifs that you like. Motifs are patterns which keep appearing in that particular type of art. Look at the example in the box to your right.
2. If you have a paint programme such as Dazzle, Colour Magic or anything similar, paint in one of your motifs (Think about colour at this stage). Go further and copy and paste it several times. You could rotate or tile it to give another design. Experiment and see what you can produce. Different programmes allow you to do different things, so don't be afraid to try things out. Some will work, others won't, but you will succeed in the end.
3. You might decide to use the Symmetry Tool, or use "select" and "tile" so that you have a panel which you can develop further. The example in the box to the right now needs more work - perhaps using the fill tool, or selecting a section of the panel and tiling again.
4. Your printout should be about A4 size, and could become a painting or a collage. You may want to leave it as a computer design, or try using crayons or paint to colour it in by hand. Don't use too many media though, because the Aborigines used mostly charcoal and paint.

If you haven't got a computer, try the activity on the next page