4/17/14 10:38 AMDripping Paint: Action Painting - Art History - KinderArt

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Summary:

Objectives:

What You Need:

DRIPPING PAINT - ACTION PAINTING

Level: ECE/Toddler, Primary, Junior, Middle, High SchoolGrades: Pre-K and up | Age: 2 and up | Written by: Andrea Mulder-Slater

[Andrea is one of the creators of KinderArt.com]

Students will make an "action" painting in the style of Jackson Pollock.

Identification:

Students will be directed to observe the lines and shapes that make up an "action" painting

Historical:

Students will look at the work of Jackson Pollock as they learn about Abstract Expressionism and Action Painting

Creation:

Students will create an "action" painting using paint, paper and imagination

Appreciation:

Students will learn to appreciate the art created not only by them, but by others as well.

Heavy Paper or Primed Canvas if you have itA roll of butcher paper (optional)PaintBrushesWaterA warm dayPainting smocks or garbage bags with arm and head holes cut outA garden hose or bucket of water to make clean up easier

4/17/14 10:38 AMDripping Paint: Action Painting - Art History - KinderArt

Page 2 of 3http://www.kinderart.com/arthistory/pollock.shtml

What You Do:

Recommended Books/Products:

Old towels

It is important to note that this lesson is best attempted outside.

1. Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) was an American Abstract Expressionist painter. Study the works of Jackson Pollockand discuss his technique. He would literally drip paint on his canvases in order to create his paintings.

2. You and your kinderartists should wear a paint smock or a garbage bag with arm and head holes cut out of it.

3. All involved should remove their shoes and socks (this can get messy).

4. Roll out a section of butcher paper on the ground outside. The butcher paper is to "catch" any spills and drips.

5. Place various colors of paint in small containers (yogurt or margarine containers are great). Put these containers ona newspaper covered picnic table or other high surface if possible. This will prevent any accidents involving you oryour kinderartists stepping in the paint.

6. Before beginning, walk your kinderartists through some relaxation and deep breathing exercises. Explain that youare preparing to focus on the creative task at hand. Make your kiddos aware that this is not the time for recklessplay and that they should drip and sploosh their paint carefully.

7. Place sheet of paper (or canvas) on the butcher paper. (One sheet per child or one per group of 2 children) Forteachers of younger students, you will probably want no more than 4-6 students working at a time.

8. Using paintbrushes, your kinderartists should stand directly above their paper (several feet apart from one another)and drip paint onto the paper below. They should be encouraged to use as many colors as they choose.

9. Remember, there is a method to this style of painting. Colors should be chosen carefully and paint should beapplied to the paper as drippy lines.

10. Because this is an "action painting" your kinderartists should have the opportunity to move around as they paint.

11. Once the paper is covered with paint, it is time to wash up. This is where a hose comes in handy.

12. Dry and display the work on a clothesline or a chain link fence. Talk about the work.

About Jackson PollockJackson Pollock was an American Abstract Expressionist painter. Nicknamed "Jack the Dripper", he wouldliterally drip paint (of the most toxic variety) on his canvases in order to create his paintings. He was the first"action painter", meaning that he would drip, pour, throw and splash his paint onto very large canvases which wereoften laid flat on the floor of his New York studio. Many say he would literally dance, as though in a trance, as hecreated his masterpieces. Pollock is widely considered the most challenging and influential American artist of the20th century.

Jackson Pollock Links:

Jackson Pollock-Splatter paintThe ManThe PaintingThe Process

Jackson Pollock by Mike Venezia, Jackson Pollock, Meg Moss Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) is widely considered as the most challenging and influential American artist of the20th century. This sumptuous book offers a fresh overview of his achievement, reinterpreted for a new generation.

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4/17/14 10:38 AMDripping Paint: Action Painting - Art History - KinderArt

Page 3 of 3http://www.kinderart.com/arthistory/pollock.shtml