Because the Aborigines of Australia did not have a written language, they used pictures and icons to share ideas and tell stories. Each tribe had their own sacred rituals which they guarded, and they would draw with sticks in the dirt or paint symbols on bodies which could be washed away after their ceremonies were over. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that Aboriginal artists began to transfer their drawings to canvas. In order to “camouflage” the sacred meanings of many of their paintings, impressionistic dots were used, and only those who knew the meaning of the symbols could interpret the paintings. Most of the paintings are centered around nature or creation. Today, Aboriginal Dot Painting is prized throughout the world and has become a source of income to the Aboriginal people.
Use books or the internet to find examples of Aboriginal Dot Painting for inspiration. Many of the Aboriginal Dot Paintings use animals in their paintings. We have included patterns for a snake, turtle and lizard but you may want to draw your own picture. Also, many pictures depict mountains, rivers, wind and other components of nature. Choose any theme that moves you.
Aboriginal Dot Painting Materials
- water color paper or card stock
- acrylic paints
- paint brushes, q-tips, chop sticks, etc for making dots
- snake, lizard and turtle patterns (optional)
Aboriginal Dot Painting Directions
Make a copy of one of the patterns included or draw your own picture on water color paper or card stock.
On a scrap piece of paper, practice making dots with the back end of a paint brush, q-tips, chop sticks, etc.
Aboriginal dot paintings are usually a combination of regular brush strokes and dots. Let your imagination lead you!
Our Gallery of Finished Aboriginal Dot Painting
