Dripping Paint: Action Painting - Art History - KinderArt

4/17/14 10:38 AM

DRIPPING PAINT - ACTION PAINTING

Level: ECE/Toddler, Primary, Junior, Middle, High School Grades: Pre-K and up | Age: 2 and up | Written by: Andrea Mulder-Slater [Andrea is one of the creators of KinderArt.com]

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

Objectives:
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.

What You Need:

Heavy Paper or Primed Canvas if you have it A roll of butcher paper (optional) Paint Brushes Water A warm day Painting smocks or garbage bags with arm and head holes cut out A garden hose or bucket of water to make clean up easier
http://www.kinderart.com/arthistory/pollock.shtml Page 1 of 3

Dripping Paint: Action Painting - Art History - KinderArt

4/17/14 10:38 AM

Old towels

What You Do:

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 Pollock and 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 on a newspaper covered picnic table or other high surface if possible. This will prevent any accidents involving you or your kinderartists stepping in the paint. 6. Before beginning, walk your kinderartists through some relaxation and deep breathing exercises. Explain that you are preparing to focus on the creative task at hand. Make your kiddos aware that this is not the time for reckless play 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) For teachers 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 be applied 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 Pollock

Jackson Pollock was an American Abstract Expressionist painter. Nicknamed "Jack the Dripper", he would literally 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 were often laid flat on the floor of his New York studio. Many say he would literally dance, as though in a trance, as he created his masterpieces. Pollock is widely considered the most challenging and influential American artist of the 20th century. Jackson Pollock Links: Jackson Pollock-Splatter paint The Man The Painting The Process

Recommended Books/Products:
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 the 20th century. This sumptuous book offers a fresh overview of his achievement, reinterpreted for a new generation.

This content has been printed from: www.KINDERART.com

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http://www.kinderart.com/arthistory/pollock.shtml

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Dripping Paint: Action Painting - Art History - KinderArt

4/17/14 10:38 AM

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