Nature inspired art

Let’s learn about traditional canal art, Roses and Castles, and how it was inspired by the Victorian’s love of nature.

Artists today continue to be inspired by the natural world around them, how will you be inspired by nature along our canals and rivers?

Try these nature inspired activities and remember to share your creations with us on the Explorers Twitter and Facebook pages.

Roses and castles designs

Use the templates or paint your own ‘Roses’ or ‘Castles’ design on to a paper plate or paper bag.

Making marks

Natural materials found along towpaths make great ‘tools’ for art projects. Go for towpath walks and gather materials such as twigs, seed heads and feathers

Colouring out: canal art

Colour outside of the lines and complete the roses and castles design

Natural art gallery

Explore your local canal or river and set up a natural art gallery of special objects you find.

Watercan

Make and decorate your own traditional watercan

Roses and Castles

Design a new Roses and Castles pattern for a narrowboat

Last Edited: 27 July 2023