Jackson Pollock's drip paintings, created between 1947 and 1950, mark one of the most groundbreaking periods in 20th-century art. This era is when Pollock fully developed and refined his innovative technique of dripping and pouring paint directly onto canvases laid flat on the ground. This method allowed him to exert a new form of control over the spontaneous and accidental aspects of his work, leading to the creation of complex, dynamic, and visually arresting compositions.

Pollock's technique involved using sticks, hardened brushes, and even syringes to drip enamel and aluminum paint, creating intricate layers of intertwined colors and textures. He moved around the canvas from all sides, integrating his physical movement into the act of painting, which later critics and historians would refer to as "Action Painting." This method emphasized the physical act of painting itself, making the process as important as the finished product​ (The Art Story)​.

One of the most celebrated pieces from this period is "Full Fathom Five" (1947), which features an intricate web of paint drips, combined with foreign objects embedded into the paint, adding a unique texture and depth to the work. Another significant work, "Number 1A, 1948," is characterized by its dense, almost pulsating network of drips and splashes, demonstrating Pollock's growing confidence and mastery over his drip technique. These paintings were both a departure from and an extension of traditional painting techniques, representing a form of abstraction that was entirely new at the time.

Pollock's drip paintings were initially met with mixed reactions from critics and the public. While some hailed his work as revolutionary, others were skeptical, failing to find coherence or meaning in the seemingly chaotic patterns. However, over time, Pollock's drip paintings have come to be recognized as some of the most influential works in the abstract expressionist movement, fundamentally altering the course of modern art.

Despite the controversy, Pollock's work from this period was crucial in laying the groundwork for the abstract expressionist movement, influencing generations of artists to explore new forms of expression and to challenge the conventional boundaries of art. His drip paintings are celebrated for their raw energy, complexity, and the unique synthesis of control and chance they embody.