Jackson Pollock was called an “action painter” because his work shows movement and rhythm.
Born in Wyoming, he moved to New York to study under Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton. He began by painting
realistic pictures but quickly decided to try his own type of art.
He decided to create his own work by dripping or pouring paint onto his canvas while it was laid flat on the floor, a technique he
learned by studying Mexican sand paintings.
Pollack believed all parts of a painting were important, and nothing should stand out.
The lines in this Pollock painting suggest movement. You can also see a “web effect” in his work.
Pollack was considered an abstract painter because there is nothing realistic in his paintings.
Jackson Pollack at work in his studio.
Jackson Pollack used “earth colors” in many of his paintings.
Jackson Pollock died in a car crash in 1956. His work will be remembered by his technique of dripping paint onto his canvas.
Created by L. Welling
