Aboriginal dot painting

Items Needed: brown construction paper, 3 different colors of paint (light colors work best with dark paper), and cotton swab

I started by explaining to Little T that Aborigines are the indigenous people of Australia. We did a google search on "Aboriginal children and art." Our focus became the dot art and pattern work. 

We talked about the art piece first and decided upon circles and one huge squiggly line.  Little T thoughtfully planned his pattern and spacing, starting with small dots that would graduate into larger ones.

It really did take a bit of time and concentration to get everything down on paper.  He had to remember that he was working within a set pattern and keep a steady hand.

I promised a great reward for patience and completing his work with a good attitude.  Once the dotting sequence was over, he decided that he did not care for the dead space left in-between the patterns. As a budding artist, some creative license was used and he filled any remaining space with off-white dots. Markedly, he declared that his work was "delectable." Hmm, what?  He meant to say "Aboriginal," but I am a fan of "delectable" too.

Oh and what was his great reward for maintaining a happy heart through pattern work? Well, see for yourself...he was painted as well.