Art from Australia

Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2

Kinder to year 2 kids can combine art and science to create a fun Ulysses Butterfly life cycle artwork. Use a range of mixed media to make the 3D components from egg to butterfly and assemble the artwork on some colourful, collaged leaves.

Geodes can be found throughout Australia and there is a wonderful artwork to create inspired by their broad range of colours. Geodes are spherical rock formations that have been naturally hollowed out and are often lined with crystals. Use a range of art materials to create geodes in the many different colours they can be found in.

Many types of jellyfish are found along Australia’s abundant coastline. Make a jellyfish drawing, take a print with an ink transfer printing technique and add watercolour to make a vibrant artwork. 

Students will draw on the elements of line, colour and shape, form, movement, texture and contrast in the creation of these works. We will use 3D modelling, drawing, collage, painting, and printmaking techniques to create these artworks.  

Grade 3 and Grade 4

Explore the flora of Australia with this stunning Acorn Banksia artwork. Create painted papers, add patterns and textures and then cut and paste to create a floral artwork. You could easily adapt this project to create your state’s floral emblem. A range of Australian native plant reference images are available so different artworks can be created. This lesson plans is suitable for grades 3 to 6.

Melbourne and Sydney are home to Luna Park and the gaping mouth entry is an iconic Australian Landmark. Draw and paint the fun entrance to this theme park with vibrant colours and learn about symmetry at the same time.

The Tasmanian Devil was given its name because it sounds ferocious in the wild but in fact, it is actually quite shy! The population of Tasmanian Devils has been decimated by a contagious facial cancer, so preservation programs have seen them introduced in 2020 to mainland Australia. Use printed papers to create a devil collage artwork and increase awareness of this endangered Australian species.

Grade 5 and Grade 6

In the 5-6 grade category, we create artworks inspired by the unique flora and birds of Australia. 

In the Australian Bird and Flower, students can use reference images of native plants and birds to create an artwork that combines them both. Think about composition and use drawing and painting skills to add layers and depth. Add a circular border and acrylic washes to create a subtle artwork on paper.

Pete Cromer is one of Australia’s most loved contemporary artists.  He is known for his painted paper collage artworks of Australian birds and animals. The barn owl is a familiar sight throughout Australia and students can create this fun artwork in their choice of colours.

These lesson plans cover line, shape, texture, layering, composition, contrast, and colour with elements to be drawn and painted using acrylic paints, paint pens and texture tools.