3-15: Gravity on Earth

A. The Effect of Gravity

Gravity causes the objects in our solar system to orbit around other objects. On Earth, gravity pulls objects toward the planet.

B. Gravity and Art

Gravity doesn’t just help us stay on the ground. Humans have used gravity to create many things. Did you know some artists use gravity to help them make their artwork? Jackson Pollock was one such artist who created the style of “action painting”. This is when you use your whole body to create artwork. He would stand over the paper and drip, splatter, and fling the paint onto it.

He moved around a lot, like he was dancing, and didn’t worry too much about making things look like real objects. Instead, he let his feelings and emotions guide him. How do you think gravity helped him create his work? Action painting is like making a beautiful mess with paint while moving around and letting your feelings show in your art.

Click on the white arrows to see examples of artwork that were made using the force of gravity.

C. Gravity Art Challenge

Directions: Do you think you can make art using gravity? Complete the gravity art challenge in your Mission Log. Observe how gravity supports you in creating your design.