PS S5.3 Brushed By Nature PROGRAM

The Brushed by Nature Program offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to exploring the relationship between nature, culture and artistic practice through the creation of handmade brushes and expressive painting techniques. Aligned with the NSW Stage 5 Visual Arts Syllabus, this unit encourages students to investigate how artists use natural materials to communicate ideas while developing their own creative practice. Students explore the significance of mark making, experiment with a variety of natural and handmade tools, and create meaningful artworks inspired by both contemporary and Aboriginal artists.

Teachers will find a detailed 10-week unit of work, with an additional extension activities designed to deepen learning or support an 11-week term. Throughout the unit, students develop practical skills, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding while investigating sustainable artmaking practices and the importance of Country, environment and identity.

Key Features for Teachers

Aligned with the NSW Syllabus: Addresses Stage 5 Visual Arts outcomes with clear learning intentions, success criteria and explicit links to syllabus content.

Step-by-Step Guidance: Detailed lesson sequences support teachers in introducing concepts, demonstrating practical techniques and guiding students through the creative process using the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model.

Cross-Curricular Opportunities: Meaningful links with Geography (natural environments), Science (natural materials and ecosystems), English (artist statements and reflections), Aboriginal Studies and Sustainability encourage rich, multidisciplinary learning.

Contemporary and Aboriginal Artist Focus: Students investigate the work of Lorna Crane alongside one local Aboriginal artist exploring how artists communicate stories, identity and connection to place.

Incorporating Aboriginal Pedagogy

Land Links: Strong connections to Country encourage students to gather inspiration from the natural environment and respectfully explore how Aboriginal artists use natural materials to express cultural knowledge and relationships with place.

Deconstruct and Reconstruct: Students investigate natural forms, textures and materials before transforming them into handmade brushes and expressive artworks, encouraging experimentation and innovation.

Non-verbal: Visual communication is central to the unit as students express ideas through mark making, texture, colour and composition rather than relying solely on written language.

Learning Maps: Students document the development of their ideas from initial observations and brush prototypes through to finished artworks, allowing them to reflect on their artistic growth and decision-making.

How It Meets Syllabus Demands

Artmaking Practice: Students develop skills in constructing handmade brushes, experimenting with a variety of mark-making techniques and producing resolved artworks using natural materials.

Artworld Concepts: Students investigate the relationships between Artist, Artwork and World, considering how environmental, cultural and historical contexts influence artistic practice.

Critical and Historical Studies: Through artist case studies, students analyse how artists communicate ideas about nature, sustainability and identity while developing their own informed viewpoints.

Reflective Practice: Students evaluate their creative process through artist statements, reflections and classroom discussions, strengthening their ability to justify artistic choices using appropriate visual arts terminology.

Material and Conceptual Exploration: Students experiment with a diverse range of materials and techniques while considering how media choices influence meaning and audience interpretation.

What's Included

• A complete 10-week teaching program with additional extension activities.
• Detailed lesson outlines featuring Learning Intentions, Success Criteria and Gradual Release of Responsibility.
• Comprehensive teacher notes with practical demonstrations, teaching tips and assessment guidance.
• Links to videos, digital resources and extension activities.
• Integration of NESA verbs, Super 6 Comprehension Strategies, ICT capabilitiesand Cross-Curriculum Priorities throughout the program.

Why Choose This Unit?

Creative and Hands-On: Students love designing and constructing their own brushes before discovering the unique marks and textures they can create through experimentation.

Encourages Sustainability and Environmental Awareness: Students explore how artists can responsibly engage with natural materials while developing respect for the environment and Aboriginal perspectives of Country.

By choosing the Brushed by Nature Program, you are giving your students the opportunity to connect with nature, explore Aboriginal perspectives, experiment with innovative artmaking techniques and develop the practical, critical and creative skills required by the new NSW Stage 5 Visual Arts Syllabus all within a rich, engaging and classroom-ready program.