Tuesday's Art Adventure: Action Jackson

Here's an adventure into the work of a master artist: Jackson Pollock. 

Number One 1948, Terrain Gallery

Not only do I love Pollock's work, but I love showing him to kids (and adults for that matter) because their first reaction is usually, "Well, I can do that!" Heh. Heh. It's not as easy as it looks to create a great composition, but it sure is fun trying!


Jackson Pollock was an Abstract Expressionist. This movement was more about a shared attitude rather than a shared style, but in Pollock's case this means that his works of art did not represent an identifiable image (like a tree or a person), but his works were still full of emotion, impact and action. He created large works by fixing his canvas to the floor.

Source

 Then he would use brushes and other objects to drip and splash paint across the canvas. He did not care about what side was "up." He walked all around the canvas painting from all sides.

Source

Because of the movement both visually in the painting and the way in which he painted them these paintings are known as action painting. He began painting in this style in 1947.

Supplies:

• tempera paint (I suggest picking 3 colors max)
• large sheets of paper
• shoestrings
• water
• large bowls, buckets, or containers
• drop cloth (optional)

This is going to get messy. I like to do it outside for that reason, because I'm going to let you in a on little secret: your lawn doesn't really mind getting painted. It's true. But if you are stuck indoors, just put a drop cloth down.

Tempera paint cleans up pretty easily and it's affordable, but it's really too thick, so add one color to one bowl

and stir water in until you have a runny, watery paint.

It could be a bit thicker than this if you wanted. Just a guide, not an absolute.

Do this with each color you are planning to use.

Cut the fluglebinders (remember that from "Cocktail"?), the little plastic things, from the ends of your shoe strings 

and dunk one in each color, leaving a bit clean so you have something to hold.

Set up the paper. (I had to use some sticks to hold the paper down because it was a bit windy.) Use the strings to drip, slap, slosh, and pull the paint all across the paper.

The reason we use shoe strings instead of brushes is that we have less control.

It means that you just have to work with happenstance and get into the action of painting.

It's messy and completely fun!

Don't be afraid to teach your young child about artists. Many kids find it interesting and like seeing master works of art.

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Introducing 78

You may have noticed mention of art supplies in other posts. More than just DIY home decor stuff, I actually am an artist. I like the idea of mixing pop culture with art, and thought what better medium for than than the ubiquitous tee shirt.

I am offering these limited edition, hand painted tee shirts under the label "78". The shirts are actually painted by removing the fabric dyes so this will age very well. Each shirt design will have a range of only 5 to 10 shirts ever made. So, you won't have to worry about showing up wearing the same thing as everyone else. Awesome.

[Update: there are only 3 Subway shirts left (any size you need, but I'll only be making 3 more) and 4 "You go, then I'll go." shirts. Also, I do take commissions. Send me a message if you want something you don't see yet.]

I have a few to show you now, and I have a few more designs in the works. Currently I am using Jerzees tee shirts (in an effort to keep costs down for you) and they come in regular or fitted, but I have noticed all the sizes run small.

This shirt was inspired by Mateo's favorite part of The Rally to Restore Sanity when Jon Stewart pointed out how we work together all the time, using the example of merging traffic.

This dark blue shirt depicts merging traffic with the phrase "You go then I'll go" on the front. It is $25 plus shipping.

For an additional $10, you can have added to the back "We live in hard times, not end times." -Jon Stewart.

This next shirt is probably my favorite. It features a subway map as a graphic element. I blocked in where the stops would be labeled, but I was not concerned with words. (Though it might be fun to see if anyone knows what city this is.)It is $25 plus shipping.

This shirt is a little different. I made it for my youngest for Earth Day last year. I used a shirt that was a hand-me-down and painted "It's not a hand-me-down. It's an ecological choice." This is truly an "upcycled" item. I love this one, but my guy has outgrown it, so I'll offer it for $10 plus shipping. It is a 2T. This is a one time offer, first come first serve.

I call the next one, "Chill Monkey." Our boys are monkeys and we are always telling them to chill. But this is one cute monkey you won't want to get off your back -- that's right, this little guy hangs down your back. This shirt is $20 plus shipping.

 This is sort of a test run. I am still uncertain if I should go through with setting up a pay service, like Pay Pal, or not sell online at all. So, for now, email me* or comment on which shirt you would like, what 
color (red, dark blue, royal blue, black, brown, green), 
fitted or regular and what size (XS,S,M,L,XL or YXS,YS,YM,YL). Shipping is $4.95. 
I will confirm your selection and let you know where to send your payment; once received, I'll mail your shirt.

If you are interested in a shirt, but would not buy one unless you could use your credit card, leave a comment about that, so I know. Without enough interest, I'll just sell locally.

*Click on my profile, the contact box on the left will lead you my email. Posting it directly on here can lead to spam, so sorry about the extra step.