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.
Today we invited the children to Paint like Jackson Pollock in 3 different ways.
1. Invitation to Paint Pour: Using the Colorations Silicone Mixing Cups filled with Colorations Paint, the children were invited to paint pour and drop.
2. Invitation to Splatter Paint: We set out similar tools Pollock used himself: string, kitchen utensils, brushes, along with paint + butcher paper. Children were invited to use the tools & flick paint onto the butcher paper.
3. Strainer Drip Painting: Provided Dollar Store strainers, diluted Colorations paint with water , and poster paper. We invited the children to pour paint into the strainer and drip paint.
When children use various tools and engage in different ways 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. Through the process of experimenting and exploring these kinds of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) invitations the child is using creative and critical thinking skills. Scientists, mathematicians, engineers and artists all use the same critical thinking skills to find new and innovative solutions. Developing a skill like painting provides the stimulus children need to be successful in all aspects of life.
Here are two other ways to explore Jackson Pollock: Invitation to Drip Paint like Jackson Pollock & Painting Like Pollock.