BARK PAINTINGS
Aboriginal Art
BARK PAINTINGS
Aboriginal Art
Bark painting is an
Australian Aboriginal
art-form which is done
on the inside strip of a
trees bark.
Traditionally, bark
paintings were made for
ceremonial purposes.
Today, they are highly
sought after by
collectors and public
arts institutions.
Artists use bark they collect from the Stringybark tree.
Stringybark trees can be any of the many Eucalyptus
tree species that have thick, fibrous bark.
These men are collecting bark from a
Stringybark tree for a painting.
“Why do you think Aboriginal people use bark for their
paintings?”
Characteristics of Aboriginal Bark
Paintings
A bark painting is made up of several
parts. Not all of these points are always
included in a bark painting, but they are
generally applied in the following order:
1. Border
2. Dividing Lines
These lines separate the painting into several different areas that
contain different patterns, designs, and figures.
3. Figurative Designs
Figurative designs are designs that resembles something like an
animal, person, or an object. In aboriginal bark paintings it is
common for these figurative designs to be of native animals.
4. Geometric Designs
Many Bark paintings contain detailed geometric designs.
These designs are commonly made from shapes or lines
that form patterns.
As you look at the next few examples of bark paintings pay
attention to the colors most commonly used.
What colors did you see used? Why do you think aboriginal people didn’t
use more variety of colors?
Now you will create your own bark paintings!
1.
Remember the four parts of bark paintings that we
discussed. You will include these in your own paintings
- Border
Goes around the outside of your painting.
- Dividing Lines
Separates your painting into different spaces.
- Figurative Designs
People, Animals, plants, recognizable objects.
- Geometric Designs
Shapes and patterns. Triangles, circles, lines,
diamonds, squares, etc.
Before you paint, use your pencil to make your border, divide your
paper, and create your designs.