Abstract Expressionism
The definition of Abstract Expressionism: The visual depiction of lines, shapes and colours that do not represent or depict objects from real life through the expressive movements of an artist or visual artist. The term came to life with the artist Jackson Pollock. He used a technique called splatter painting where he physically moved his body around a large canvas on the floor. The paint splatters depicted his flowing movements and expressed his thoughts and feelings.
Students painting abstract expressionism
To the novice this style of art may seem simplistic, but Jackson Pollock and many artists after proved that there were design choices in the making of and apparent in these paintings. Artists look for balance, colour theory, rhythm and pattern in the moment and in the planning stages of the painting. The design elements that we see in a Pollock painting can be found in the movement of a dancer or the best choreographically designed staged performance.
A wonderful teacher once explained the difference between what makes something “Art” and what is just a few well placed drips of paint on a paper. “It is the choices an artist makes that makes it Art”. Those choices can relate to design elements or subject or even the timing of when to start and when to stop the process. The expression and choices are what makes Abstract Expressionism valid and inspiring.
Students’ Replicas of Famous Works from Art History
Click here for: Abstract Expressionism Lesson Plan