Jackson Pollock drip art.

Art Activity: Jackson Pollock Drip Art

Activity best for children ages 4 and up

Today, you will get to make a painting just like American artist Jackson Pollock!

Jackson Pollock was a famous American painter. He is most famous for his unique style of painting. Jackson Pollock would drip and splash paint on a large canvas. He believed colors helped people feel different emotions. This style of painting is called abstract expressionism.

MATERIALS

  • Paint (If you don’t have any, we included a recipe below)

  • Blank paper (the larger the better!)

  • A cardboard box or foil baking pan that you don’t mind getting messy

  • A painting “tool”

  • Paintbrush

  • Stick

  • Ruler

  • Plastic spoon

  • Straw

  • Recommended: Apron or old t-shirt

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Place your paper at the bottom of your cardboard box or foil container.

STEP 2

Think of a strong emotion you are feeling today. Are you happy? Are you sad? Are you mad? Hold onto that feeling!

STEP 3

Dip your painting tool into the paint. Drip or splatter the paint based on how you feel. (For example: Maybe you will drip slowly if you are sad or quickly if you are mad).

STEP 4

Admire your artwork!

Green paint.

Paint Recipe

  • 1 cup warm water

  • 1.5 cups flour

  • 1.5 cups salt

  • Food coloring

  • Resealable bags or resealable containers

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Pour the water, flour, and salt together. Mix until the liquid is smooth.

STEP 2

Divide the paint into 3 separate containers or bags.

STEP 3

Divide the paint into 3 separate containers or bags.

STEP 4

If needed, add more water to thin out your paint.

TIP

Refrigerate any excess paint to help it last longer. This paint should last up to two weeks!