Eucalyptus Art Exploration

The artists review photographic documentation
of past Art + Nature activities

For our sixth Art + Nature afternoon we gave special attention to a prominent species found throughout the Presidio: the Eucalyptus tree.

For our listening pleasure, a child plays the harmonica

Though bright and sunny, it was a cold and windy afternoon in San Francisco. Entering the forest, we saw remnants of the previous day's rain. The sand was still wet and a small stream running along the path remained.

Free flowing water streams across the foot-path

Delighted, the artists investigate and articulate how water interacts with the surrounding landscape. For example, they noticed that the water moved underground as well as above ground; water takes the path of least resistance.


We identify eucalyptus trees and begin to explore their effects. We collect different parts of the tree that have fallen to the ground including leaves, branches, seed pods, and curly strands of bark.

Left: Pulling bark as it dangles from a branch  
Right: "Look! The bark came from this tree."

Stretching fallen Eucalyptus bark

Admiring the swaying canopy above, listening to sounds of whipping wind and soft music we muse:
"Perhaps the trees are dancing to the music?" 

 "No, they are waving at us," the children reply.


The trees are waving, we agree.

We return to the art studio with a collection bag full of Eucalyptus tree treasures.

First, the artists explore the possibilities of using Eucalyptus bark as a drawing surface.  

Oil pastels glide on smoothly and saturate the bark with pigment. 

Applying crayon over the pastels creates a waxy contrast.

Chalk creates bright patches of color though with less permanence than both crayon and oil pastel. 

Mixing colors on 'nature's paper'

Next, the artists paint.  

Creating multi-colored prints

Using Eucalyptus seed pods as stamps
and the leaves as stencils and stamps

Using a textured paint roller

Rolling out the 'train tracks'

Here the artist uses a tree branch to apply paint

The artists delve deeper into the mixing of colors while witnessing the effects of various brushes on multiple surfaces. Sharing tools, work spaces, and paint provides opportunities to engage each other's artwork and learn together.

Here are some of the completed art pieces from our Eucalyptus themed afternoon adventure:

A chain of colorful leaves

Using branches as paint brushes creates
an interesting Pollack-esque effect

This finished painting features a Eucalyptus leaf imprint

Artwork created with both paper and bark accompanied by 
the longest Eucalyptus leaf we found

Deep green and blue hues reminiscent of leaves

A collaborative piece on display in the art studio

We look forward to our upcoming Art + Nature adventure.
Join the artists next week as we continue exploring and creating together!