3 Ways To Paint Like Jackson Pollock

Engaging children with a combination of art, science, and action while learning about the artist Jackson Pollock is a dynamic way to teach and expose them to a style of painting where there are no mistakes. Jackson Pollock, was an American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. He was well known for his unique style of drip painting. "It doesn't matter how the paint is put on as long as something is said." Jackson Pollock is such an amazing artist to highlight how it’s the process not the product when creating art.

To engage the children with his artistic philosophy, we invited them to try three different ways to paint like Jackson Pollock:

1. Marble/Ping Pong Ball Action Art: We set up a recycled box with construction paper, marbles, ping pong balls, and Colorations Tempera Paint. The children were encouraged to maneuver the box to create dynamic patterns with the moving marbles.

2. Gravity Drip Painting: We attached poster paper to a fence and provided liquid watercolors, pipettes, and paintbrushes. The children then painted the paper and observed how gravity caused the paint to drip and create interesting effects.

3. Bubble Wrap Splat Painting: We laid black butcher paper on the ground, added drops of Colorations Tempera Paint, and then covered it with bubble wrap, which was taped down. Using wooden mallets, the children enthusiastically splatted the paint, creating unique textures and designs.

Here are other ways to Paint Like Pollock one, two, three.