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DRIP AND DANCE

What happens when string painting meets music? Let children find freedom in “moving to the music” as they paint and stamp with household items. This a messy, fun way to experience Action painting.

DRIP AND DANCE: Text
DRIP AND DANCE: Work

Steps:

  1. Set up supplies ahead of time:

  • Large white paper or roll of paper

  • paper bowls or plates (for paint)

  • washable paint

  • paper towel or toilet paper rolls (for stampers)

  • string/yarn cut into long pieces (for string painting)

  • Elmer’s glue 

  • Pack of wipes (for clean up)

  • 2 songs/types of music – slow (e.g., Debussy) & fast (e.g., Vivaldi)

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2. Invite your children to mix their own colors in the paint bowls first.

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3. Turn on the music. Start slow:) with Debussy as they acquaint themselves with the string and stampers. Ask them: “Can you make your strings dance?” Tip: use the stampers to press/submerge the string in the paint bowl if your child doesn’t want to use their fingers). 

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4. After several minutes, switch to Vivaldi (fast, lively music). Enjoy watching your children in action!

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Tip: if your child wants to include the supplies in the artwork itself like Jackson Pollock did (see picture below), mix glue into the paint or add glue at the end. 

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5. You can ask if they would like to “Title/Name” their work. This may give some insight into their feelings/meaning before you start Clean-up!

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DRIP AND DANCE: Text
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DRIP AND DANCE: Gallery
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ADDED ENRICHMENT: Share Jackson Pollock action painting with them!

See Full Fathom Five, Jackson Pollock 1947. MoMA. Pollock dropped his paint tube cap, nails, coins, keys & more into his art as he painted (as shown in close-up). Listen to the book Action Jackson by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan (best for children 7+).

DRIP AND DANCE: Image
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