Nature is Art: Observation to Imagination

The Nature is Art badge invites students to explore the natural world through observation and reinterpret it through artistic expression. This badge nurtures creativity, deepens environmental appreciation, and encourages personal reflection through nature-inspired visual art. By drawing from local flora and using techniques like cropping, colour theory, and abstraction, students turn the environment into a canvas of imaginative exploration.

Badge goals

• Foster a deeper awareness of local biodiversity, especially indigenous flora.

• Develop observation and visual analysis skills through artistic techniques.

• Encourage creative interpretation and emotional expression through art.

• Promote appreciation and awareness of Maltese natural heritage in the school community

When & Where to use this badge

This badge can be implemented during Art lessons, cross-curricular environmental projects, or break clubs. It pairs well with Environmental Studies, PSCD, and Geography, but can be adapted by teachers across disciplines who wish to explore creative approaches to nature-based learning.

Steps to complete this badge

1.     Learn: Understand how nature has inspired artists historically, and how students can use visual elements from flora to express mood and perspective. Get to know some Maltese wildflowers in preparation for the activity.

Suggested activity:

  • Study Georgia O’Keeffe semi-abstract composition focusing on close-up flower croppings
  • Group research and presentation on other artists who use nature as a muse.
  • Analyse flowers in terms of line, colour, shape, and emotional response (e.g., “This flower reminds me of…”)

 

 

2.     Action: Photography walk around the school grounds or in other nature areas. Create a semi-abstract artwork inspired by direct observation of indigenous flora.

Suggested activity:

  • Explore your surroundings: Conduct a photography and sketching walk on your school grounds focusing on local wild flowers. Students can use a small viewfinder or digital tools like cropping to frame their shots, inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe's method of magnification and focus or other artists
  • Sketching from observation: Students produce quick sketches of different flowers using pencils or fine liners, paying close attention to lines, patterns, structures, and shapes.
  • Annotation & reflection: Around their sketches, students annotate the following:

-        Colours observed, including tints, tones, and shades

-        Textures and visual elements

-        Emotional response (e.g., “This flower reminds me of…”)

-        Any personal thoughts or questions that arise during the process

 

3.     Awareness: Share the final artworks and reflections with the school and wider community to celebrate the beauty of local flora and promote creative environmental engagement. Tag BirdLife Malta and Dinja Waħda when posting on school media.

Suggested activities:

  • Host an art exhibition at school (physical or digital).
  • Create a short video or blog post featuring the art process and reflections.
  • Write and present artist statements discussing inspiration and creative decisions.
  • Link the artwork to a conservation message or native plant awareness campaign.

 

You can download these instructions in PDF by clicking here: Generate PDF

Badge Photos examples
test