Summary:

 

Students will make a dripping paint “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 or a roll of butcher paper
• Paint
• Brushes
• Water
• A warm day (or a space where you can get messy)
• Painting smocks or garbage bags with arm and head holes
• A garden hose or bucket of water to make clean up easier
• 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 students should wear a paint smock or a garbage bag with arm and head holes cut out of it.