Iconic depictions of life in the Australian bush

1. Australian Bush Stories
Through Artwork

2. Visible Thinking – The Story Routine – Main, Side and
Hidden
Look closely at the painting you have been given.
Organise your ideas into three columns: MAIN, SIDE, HIDDEN.
In your groups identify, discuss and elaborate on the following questions:
Step One: What is the MAIN story being shown in the painting?
Think only about what you can see/know is happening.
Step Two:: What is the SIDE story (or stories) happening around the sidelines/edges?
Think about other people who might be involved; environmental/social factors
Step Three: What is the HIDDEN story happening below the surface that we aren’t initially aware of?
Think about the thoughts and feelings of the characters and things we may not see

3. Writer’s Journal
From the perspective of one of the characters in the painting,
write a paragraph (8-10 sentences) that tells their story.
Write as the character (first person)
Write in the moment (present tense)
Write descriptively about the surroundings and situation (setting)
Write about the characters thoughts and feelings (reflections)

4. Artwork #1 : Frederick McCubbin - A bush burial - 1890

5. Artwork #2
Tom Roberts
Bailed Up
1895

6. Artwork #3
Tom Roberts
Sheering the Rams
1890

7. Artwork #4
Frederick McCubbin
Home Again
1884

8. Artwork #5
Frederick McCubbin
The Pioneer
1904

9. Artwork #6: William Strutt - Bushrangers, Victoria, Australia - 1852

10. Artwork #7
John Longstaff
Breaking the news
1887

11. Artwork #8
Frederick McCubbin
Down on his Luck
1889