Introduce kids to the father of action painting – Jackson Pollock – with these fun and easy Jackson Pollock art projects for kids. Be prepared for some mess – and some beautiful art!
It doesn’t make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a huge canvas of white, and to be able to just throw different colors of paint on it? If you have, then you are a lot like Jackson Pollock!
Jackson Pollock was an American artist, known for his unique style of painting which involved spraying, flinging or dripping paints onto canvas. He often painted with his canvas on the floor, moving around it as he worked, giving rise to the term ‘action painting’. It’s probably why there appears to be some sort of symmetry to his art, despite all the paint-throwing!
Pollock had a hard life – constantly moving from place to place during his childhood, a father who eventually abandoned the family, expulsion from school, severe poverty, possible psychological issues and what eventually became the cause of his death – alcoholism. Yet, he continued experimenting with his art, making random lines and swirls blend together in a unique combination that appears harmonious but is also strangely haunting.
Pollock’s art is basically process art, and he used all kinds of materials to paint – brushes, sticks and syringes. And that’s the best part of process art, and also why it’s so suitable for children. So let your kids go crazy with the liquid paint while trying out these Jackson Pollock Art Projects!
Disclaimer: Most of these projects are pretty messy – so be prepared!
10 Jackson Pollock Art Projects for Kids
1. Jackson Pollock Art Project
This art project from No Time for Flash Cards is a great way to introduce kids to Pollock’s style of painting on the ground as well as his habit of ‘flinging’ paint at his canvas. Let the kids follow Pollock and walk around their canvas as they create their own artwork.
2. Splatter Wall Art
Here’s a great way to personalize your child’s room – in Jackson Pollock Style! This wall art project from Kids Activities Woo shows you how to make wall art with your child’s initials. And it’s so easy – just splatter away!
3. Jackson Pollock Splatter Art
We are in love with this splatter art from The Resourceful Mama and we’re sure Pollock would be proud too! This process art project is an excellent example of how some colors and a white background can create something incredibly beautiful.
4. Pollock-inspired Tote Bag
It’s now time to put all that art practice to good use! Make this Pollock-inspired tote bag for which all you need is a plain tote bag and lots of paints. Find out how to do this from The OT Toolbox and you have your own bespoke fashion item!
5. Action Jackson
The title of this book is an ideal name for the artist, considering how much he moved around while painting! He believed that ‘the painting has a life of it’s own. I try to let it come through’. This book is a great introduction to the artist’s passion and his work, with lovely illustrations.
6. Jackson Pollock Weaving
This is such a clever project that teaches kids process art along with some fine motor skill development. Create splatter art a la Jackson Pollock and then weave the painted paper along with plain paper. With V-day coming up, this is perfectly timed! Get more details at For the Love of Art.
7. Pollock Art Bento Lunch
I wonder if Jackson Pollock ever wondered if he should try his art on food! Well, the folks at Bentoriffic have certainly considered it and put it into reality with this fun looking Bento Lunch! The kids themselves can help prepare this work of art.
8. Pollock inspired Cookie Art
Want to try something other than a Bento lunch? Here’s a cookie recipe from Martha Stewart that’s not just pretty, but super fun to make! Let kids blow through the straw to spread the colors around to create a Pollock effect. Play around with different colors!
9. Action Painted Umbrella Art
Pollock said, “My painting does not come from the easel“. And yours doesn’t have to either! So instead of an easel or canvas, why not try some splatter painting on an umbrella? It’s got a nice big surface area and are amply available in plain colors – perfect for some splatter paint!
10. Pollock inspired Pop Art Easter Egg
We know Easter is still several weeks away, but it doesn’t hurt to prepare for it right now – with a pop art Easter egg! Craft Paper Scissors has a series of pop art eggs, and we’re loving the Pollock inspired one – with paint running down the egg, so that you can swirl it as you please.
Jackson Pollock art projects are bound to be messy – and that’s the fun part! Take it outdoors, or spread a large shower curtain or newspaper sheets where you intend to paint. Get bright liquid paints in large quantities and encourage the kids to think up different ways of using them. You might get some really original works of art!
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