This is the art form unique to Australia.  The Paper Barks (Melaluca's) shed their soft barks naturally and colours range from delicate pinks to yellows through to reds, oranges and browns.  No arificial colours are used in any way to make a bark picture.  Additives such as banana trash and fungi are somtimes used to create different textures and effects. The Paper Bark trees love water, and mainly grow in swampy areas throughout Australia, however many varieties, such as M. Pauciffora, Linarifolia and Leucadendron will grow happily in gardens.  No harm is done to them by removing the outer layer of bark.

Bark Pictures have a wonderful lasting quality and if protected from bright sunlight will keep from fading and provide many years of enjoyment.  This art form is very popular and much admired by overseas visitors.  It differs from the aboriginal bark paintings in that no paint is used. The Art in Bark Association was formed in Brisbane in 1973 by Danny Zam and since then has grown to other branches all over Australia.