Children's Book Combines Art Making with Art History

A new book about Jackson Pollock lets kids (and adults) learn about the famous artist and then make paintings like Pollock did.

Helen Harrison's The Jackson Pollock Box, includes a book, suggested art projects and art supplies, like colored acrylic paint in squeeze bottles, a paintbrush and rolled canvas and paper. Each art project demonstrates a part of Pollock’s art making process.

Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) gained fame for his “action paintings” made by pouring paint onto canvas placed on the floor. He had a studio in Springs, where he lived with his wife, Lee Krasner (1908-1984). 

“I hope people will enjoy doing the art,” said Harrison, who is the director of , Pollock's former home and studio. “There’s nothing like the physical act of doing the work to understand art.”

The Springs studio is where Pollock had his “creative breakthrough” of pouring paint onto canvas instead of applying it with paint, said Harrison.

The book, which came out in November, leads readers through Pollock’s life and art career. It is illustrated by photographs of Pollock at work and play, his life with artist Krasner and reproductions of artwork made by both artists. The book illustrates how Pollock’s art changed from his early years to his "creative breakthrough" when he began dripping paint.

“The book’s format is visually dynamic,” Harrison said. “It’s in keeping with an art form that's visual and allows the readers to see the art for themselves.”

The Jackson Pollock Box includes five art projects with supplies. Projects encourage budding artists to think and work like Pollock did, Harrison said.

For instance, a “visualization” project provides ways to conjure feelings so they can be channeled into art—just like Pollock did. Other projects center on making gesture drawings, using squeeze bottles to make stain paintings and creating collages. The projects are based on workshops held at the Pollock-Krasner House, Harrison said.

The book is geared for teens 14 years old and up. Younger kids and adults may also find the book enjoyable, said Harrison. When writing the book, Harrison presented the information in a way anyone can understand without oversimplifying, she said.

“The text isn’t dumbed down for kids,” she said. “Adults can get something out of it. So can younger kids. Concepts are bolded and highlighted in each section to make it easy to grasp the main concepts.”

It presents a nuanced look into Pollock’s life and artwork set to the backdrop of the times he lived. By traveling through the chapters readers can trace his life, death and legacy of his artwork. Readers can gain insight into his creative journey and the painting technique that made him famous. A time-line carried over six pages summarizes Pollock’s turning points with select world events.

The book is fun to read and peruse, said Harrison. She hopes people enjoy the book, try the projects and get to know the life and art of Jackson Pollock in a new way, she said.

The Jackson Pollock Box is available at and , the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center and through Amazon.