Natural Art

Creative activites using natural materials

Woodland Learning is based on inspiring creativity in all kinds of ways. The woodland provides inspiration for art and also provides the materials to create all kinds of different works. The sessions begin with an exploration of the woodland and a discussion about the area. The children are encouraged to talk about their observations and feelings about the woodland. They are then introduced to the work of artists such as Andy Goldsworthy who use what they find in the environment to create interesting forms. Materials such as stones, sticks, flowers, earth, clay, leaves, bark, roots and logs can be used. The children are able to arrange these in patterns and shapes to create interesting natural sculptures. Some children simply want to reflect the patterns they observe in nature such as the criss-cross of branches overhead or the patterns in a leaf, or the shape of a spider’s web. Some want to create imaginative models such as monsters or aliens. Colour can be made from natural materials such as flowers and clay.

Woodland is ideal for making large scale art works and the branches can be used to build upwards giving height to artistic constructions. Children can work individually or in groups and come together at the end of the session to describe their work and talk about their initial inspiration and how their work evolved. Cameras are important for this activity because the art is often a part of the woodland.