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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dripping Paint (Action Painting)

For Teachers K - 1st
Students observe the lines and shapes that make up an "action" painting. They explore the work of Jackson Pollock as they explore Abstract Expressionism and Action Painting. (This lesson is best done outside.)
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Graphic
National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art: Jackson Pollock

For Students 9th - 10th
An exhibition that examines the many influences that Jackson Pollock absorbed before breaking with past traditions to create a new kind of abstraction. Beginning with Thomas Hart Benton, who was Pollock's first teacher, Pollock learned...
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Website
Jewish Museum

Jewish Museum: Action/ Abstraction: Pollock, De Kooning, and American Art

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about abstract expressionism, its leading practitioners (especially Pollock and de Kooning), and its place in American art during the period from 1940-76.
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Lesson Plan
Kinder Art

Kinderart: Dripping Paint Action Painting

For Teachers K - 1st
Students will look at the work of Jackson Pollock as they learn about Abstract Expressionism and Action Painting. They have the opportunity to make their own dripping paint "action" painting.
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Handout
ibiblio

Ibiblio: Web Museum: Jackson Pollock

For Students 9th - 10th
A biographical sketch of Jackson Pollock, along with examples of his work, links to related terms, and analysis of selected action paintings.
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Unit Plan
ibiblio

Ibiblio: Web Museum: Abstract Expressionism

For Students 9th - 10th
This online museum page provides an overview of the artistic form of Abstract Expressionism.
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Handout
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission

Explore Pa History: Franz Kline

For Students 3rd - 8th
A succinct biographical sketch that explores the life and contributions of abstract expressionist and Pennsylvania native, Franz Kline.
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Website
PBS

Pbs Online News Hour: Jackson Pollock

For Students 9th - 10th
A NewsHour interview with Kirk Varnedoe, curator of painting at the Museum of Modern Art, on the life, work, and influence of Jackson Pollock. The interview revolves around Pollock's breakthrough drip paintings and is interspersed with...
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Interactive
Other

Jackson Pollack Splatter Paint Application

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Create your own Jackson Pollock drip painting without the mess at this site from artist and video game designer Miltos Manetas. Click and drag to transform a blank screen into an action painting of your own creation.
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Graphic
New York Times

New York Times: The One and Only Jackson Pollock

For Students 9th - 10th
An informative slideshow about the life, work, and significance of Jackson Pollock narrated by art critic Michael Kimmelman of the "New York Times." Great insight coupled with great images.
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Handout
ibiblio

Ibiblio: Web Museum: Jackson Pollock

For Students 9th - 10th
At this site from ibiblio.com there is a brief explanation of the patinting style of the Abstract Expressionist Movement known as Action Painting.
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Handout
ArtLex

Art Lex: Action Painting

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides a short description of action painting and examples of action painting artists and their works.
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Lesson Plan
Kinder Art

Kinder Art: Dot to Dot Seurat

For Teachers K - 1st
KinderArt shows how pointillism can be a very creative way to paint. It involves dots, color mixing and divisionism. Students will be enriched by this method created by Georges Seurat.
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Handout
Van Gogh Gallery

The Van Gogh Gallery: Jackson Pollock

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical summary of the life and career of American painter Jackson Pollock who was a major figure in the abstract expressionism movement.