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.
Reading the book Action Jackson opens a child’s mind to his world and the process of his art. Letting the children paint like Pollock extends the literacy experience while creating enhancing their understanding of his technique. When children learn about artists the more well rounded and creative they become. Art is a fundamental component of early childhood therefore continuous exposure leads to seeing the world in different ways.
To set this invitation set out similar tools Pollock used himself: string, sticks, spatulas, spoon, chopsticks, pipettes, and syringes along with paint + butcher paper. Invite the child to paint using these materials to create the splatter like effect.
When children use various tools to paint they become more thoughtful and creative about the techniques they use as they experiment. They flick, splat, drip, swift, squirt, and move through so many different movements which enhances both their fine and gross motor skills.
Developing a skill like painting provides the stimulus children need to be successful in all aspects of life. "Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is." Jackson Pollock
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