Papunya Painting:

DOT PAINTING evolved from ground paintings, which formed the centerpiece of Aborigine songs and dances. (Similar to the sand paintings of the Navajo religious ceremonies in the southwestern region of the U.S.) Dots are used to highlight geographic features or to outline objects. Figures in the paintings are quite simplistic in design and reflect an individual's role in the tribe. Sacred stories may be portrayed, but the deeper meaning is known only to the artist.

View an assortment of Aboriginal 'dot' paintings. Create your own dot painting by designing a simple image from nature, ie, leaf imprint, rock formation, animal shape. Using circles and outlining techniques, fill in the image and the background with a series of dots to create an abstract design.