What to do in Parks – Create Art
Artist in Karijini National Park. Photo: L-A Shibish
Grab your paints, charcoal pencils or pastels and let nature inspire you. Painting landscapes, wildflowers and wildlife in parks is a relaxing and rewarding experience. Artists have been capturing our Western Australia bushland for many years, with the Aboriginal People being the first to create visual records of the landscape.
English artist and intrepid traveller, Marianne North recorded flora from around the world with her paintbrush. She visited Australia in 1880 and spent much time painting the flora and scenery of the south-west of Western Australia.
In the United States of America, a program called Arts in the Parks has been running for many years. Artists have created art in national parks since the late 19th century when famed Hudson River School painters captured the majestic views of America’s western parks. Today, the sights and sounds in national parks continue to inspire artists in more than 50 residency programs across the United States.
The US Arts in the Parks programs include visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creative media. Programs vary, but residencies are typically two to four weeks in length and most include lodging. Often artists are invited to participate in park programs by sharing their art with the public.
