Jackson Pollock Splatter Painting
Inspired by Jackson Pollock's action painting — drip, flick, and splatter paint onto a large surface on the floor. High energy, genuinely joyful, and teaches abstract expressionism through direct experience.
Painting
Ages 4–1130 minsEasySmall group or class
Watch on YouTube
Search: "Jackson Pollock splatter painting kids art project" — video tutorials from popular craft channels
What you'll need
- Runny poster paint (thinned with water) — multiple colours
- Large sheets of paper or wallpaper lining roll
- Paintbrushes and sticks for dripping
- Plastic sheeting or old newspapers for the floor
- Aprons — ideally old ones
- Masking tape (to secure paper to floor)
How to do it
- Lay plastic sheeting on the floor, secure paper on top with masking tape.
- Thin poster paint with water until it drips easily from a raised brush.
- Stand over the paper and drip paint from the brush tip — the height creates interesting pooling.
- Flick the brush from the wrist to create fine splatter lines.
- Use multiple colours, allowing some to mix where they land.
- Step back and assess — more paint, more energy, or leave it here?
💡 Tips
Show children a photo of Pollock's work first — discuss how it was made and what it makes them feel. This is genuine abstract expressionism, not just 'mess'. Do it outside when possible.
Books and materials
Convenience links for everything mentioned above. We link to Amazon — LessonKind may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
For teachers and children
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J Jackson Pollock (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists) — Mike Venezia
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D DK Eyewitness: Art — DK