Artists have always drawn inspiration from the colours and forms in nature. Learn about different forms of art, the art and science of botanical illustration, and create your own masterpieces at home!
The aim of the Garden Art unit is to highlight the relationship between art and nature with examples of different art forms referencing the art on display in the Gardens.
There are activities accompanying each topic in this unit which students can use to apply their knowledge and skills. As art in its concept is rooted in free expression and creativity, many of the activities are deliberately designed to be open-ended. However, there are instructions to complete them which should provide some rough guidance. Here are some examples of nature-based art as a reference and inspiration:
Garden material art
https://www.natureplayqld.org.au/art-in-nature
http://maddogmom.com/2012/10/09/leaf-creatures/
https://cdn.cdnparenting.com/articles/2018/07/157756406-H-1024x700.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/29/65/db/2965dbdb0cd41fbcb041e57345fba401.jpg
Tangrams
Download the answer sheet here for the tangram activity.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYMUSw3nfNI/Tp-V2Suex-I/AAAAAAAABQk/ge4rcm27IMU/s1600/tangram.jpg
https://www.shutterstock.com/search/tangram+animals
Botanical art inspiration and excursion options at the Gardens
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Science/Botanical-Illustration/The-Florilegium
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/whatson/Botanica-Exhibition
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/visit/garden-art-month
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/whatson/plantswithaheart
https://www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/Stories/2019/Unmissable-Artisans-in-the-Gardens
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Stories/2019/Cassowaries-in-Sydney
2020 Margaret Flockton Award entries
https://www.flickr.com/photos/botanic-gardens-sydney/albums/72157714056535323/with/49823164933/
Did you know?
The act of painting outdoors in natural light is called plein air. It became popular in the 19th century and is often associated with the Impressionist art movement.
April is Garden Art Month at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney! There are a variety of events such as music, kids programs, and exhibitions all celebrating the connection between art and nature.
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney hosts art classes and exhibitions year round. See what’s currently on offer at https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/whatson
Aboriginal art and culture
https://www.commonground.org.au/learn/connection-to-country
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-02/indigenous-rock-art-could-be-among-oldest-in-world/6906476
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/aboriginal-sites/basin-aboriginal-art-site
https://www.atnf.csiro.au/people/Ray.Norris/SydneyRockArt/sites/Tamarama/index.htm
https://www.atnf.csiro.au/people/Ray.Norris/SydneyRockArt/sites/BondiGolfCourse/index.htm
Garden design ideas and resources
https://www.thespruce.com/designing-your-own-landscape-for-grouping-plants-2130990
https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/formal-garden-design/9428662
https://www.purvision.com/pearl-whites-in-the-royal-botanic-gardens/
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/stories/2018/pearl-white-butterflies-arrive
https://birdlife.org.au/images/uploads/education_sheets/INFO-Attracting-birds-to-garden.pdf
Scientific and botanical illustration
https://www.botanicalartandartists.com/tips-and-techniques.html
https://theconversation.com/what-makes-a-good-scientific-illustration-10037
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stippling
https://www.botanicalartandartists.com/sydney-parkinson.html
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Science/Botanical-Illustration/Margaret-Flockton
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Stories/2019/A-fragrant-memory