Critical studies; Authorship.

Authorship. What makes a painting or a piece of art recognizable? Can we notice tell tale signs in the works that can possibly indicate which artists work we are observing? Is it from there style? Specific paint strokes? or from a certain method? Who do I recognize and know by just observing there work? One artist that always stands out for me is Jackson Pollock.

Jackson Pollock 1912 - 1956   Born in Wyoming, America. An abstract expressionist artist. Pollocks works in the beginning created more of a narrative before the famous drip technique came to be in . Taking influences from Janet Sobel with her sporadic style, Pollock flew into action with his version of this style of painting. Free movements, no confinement, no rules. Using his canvas or unstretched fabric he would place it flat on the floor this way he felt he could explore the area more intensely and it added a new dimension for an "all over painting" experience. This " drip technique" Pollock used household paints and odd tools like hardened brushes, sticks and even basting syringes. He would move while painting like he was dancing, using the full force of his body to make his expressive marks. Dripping, dribbling and pouring paints either straight from the can or using these odd unconventional tools. When you see these paintings you just know it is the work of Jackson Pollock! The movement I can see on the painted surface with the method that has been used is obvious to me who created it.

Convergence 1952. Oil on canvas. 93.5 inches by 155. At the time of this painting America was under threat of communism and the cold war with Russia. Critics believe that this was Pollocks response to the world around him at the time. His reaction was this rebellious smack in the face uncontained explosive expression.