There are plenty of summer pool party ideas, but this Pollock painting party is a rockin', shockin' dab of genius! With teens who love art, music or food (and wouldn't that include just about every teen?) this party idea will be an over-the-top celebration to remember.
To plan a party like this, take practical steps to pump up the party atmosphere. Make sure your teen takes ownership in the planning stages by being in charge of the music. It's simple enough. Just post daily reminders on the fridge a few weeks in advance and most likely your teen will be planning the music like a professional DJ.
Make sure to appoint one teen to photograph the event along with one who'll capture the action on video, if possible. Have them post their film clips and pics online for all to enjoy the day after.
But first, let's take a brief look at the artist "in charge" of the painting. On the day of the party, this information can be used to inspire the party goers' artwork.
Who was Jackson Pollock (1912-1956)
He was considered the most original American painter. Why? His unprecedented physical involvement with the act of his actual painting was unique. His friend and patron, the artist, Alfonso Ossorio, described Pollock's artistic journey this way: "Here I saw a man who had both broken all the traditions of the past and unified them, who had gone beyond cubism, beyond Picasso and surrealism, beyond everything that had happened in art..."
The Pollock Canvas
Influenced by the different artists and their styles in the 1930s, he painted in a completely abstract manner, called the 'drip and splash style' for which he is best known.
Affixing his canvas to the floor or a wall, he poured and dripped his paint out of a can. Instead of brushes, he used sticks or knives to work the paint on the canvas. Sometimes he added a mixture of sand or broken glass to "express the unconscious moods of the artist."
"On the floor I am more at ease, I feel nearer, more a part of the painting, since this way I can walk around in it, work from the four sides and be literally 'in' the painting." ~Jackson Pollock, 1947
Education Art
We should try to respond to his style of art in our own way. This allows us to express our own art or love for modern art without trying to explain what it is that moves us. We should just allow ourselves to be moved without question. And this, my friend, is where the party begins.
Party Planning
- 1 framed canvas for each 'artist' - the larger, the better
- 1 brush, 1 stick, 1 knife per person
- A variety of small cans ( use empty yogurt cups) of paint for each 'artist'
- paper towels
- Small cups of sand
- Daylight
Make certain that once the painting begins, the music is playing and everyone has their workspace set up comfortably on the grass. Before too long, the painting will take on a serious note. Even non-artists can find a way to be excited about their work. Let the art dry outdoors while food is served.
If you liked this modern art party idea, you may also like reading about another outdoor teen party idea.
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