Students will talk about dreams, not in the context of representational images, but from the inside out, trying, like Pollock, to express their inner emotions through the painting process. In order to accomplish this, it will be necessary to prepare an area in the art room, covering it with plastic and newspapers to allow for free use of the paint.
Objectives
Students will
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1. Intellectually understand the ideas behind gesture painting.
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2. Be aware that motions of their marks in paint on paper can be as effective in expressing their dreams as telling a story.
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3. Be introduced to the paintings of Jackson Pollock who was exhibiting in New York City at the very same time that
West Side Story
was on Broadway.
Procedures and Materials
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1. Students will see a reproduction of the painting "Blue Poles" painted by Pollock in 1953.
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2. Students will study the surface treatment, scale, and use of color in this large 7'x17' painting as a direct connection to the elements on the graffiti walls.
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3. Painting will begin with a demonstration of various gesture techniques. Three paintings in this expressionist style will be requested from each student.
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4. Encourage students to experiment with paint and try various sizes of paper.
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5. Suggest that students cut out portions of the painting that they may like better that other parts.
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6. The editing process is an aspect of expression that makes the free flowing nature of expressionism more appealing.
Evaluation
Upon completion of three separate paintings we will discuss the work and how it relates to Jackson Pollock's style and to their personal expression.