Under Benton's direction, Pollock began to study old paintings and
             picked up the art of drawing and composition. He also studied mural
             painting with Benton and posed for his teacher's 1930-31. Pollock's first
             experience in contemporary mural painting is considered to have ignited his
             passion for large-scale works of his own.
             Pollock's work in the 1930s, reflected Benton's "American Scene"
             aesthetic, with a deep mystical touch to the work of the Albert Pinkham
             Ryder, whose work was greatly admired by Pollock. Other artists that
             influenced his work tremendously were Picasso, Miro, and the Surrealists,
             as well as another Mexican muralist, David Alfaro Siqueiros. During a
             workshop, Pollock experimented for the first time with the use of enamel
             paint and was motivated to try unusual techniques such as pouring and
             flinging the liquid material to achieve spontaneous effects.
             The New Deal's work-relief projects, was a golden opportunity for
             Pollock and many of his contemporaries to work as artists under the
             government. Pollock chose to work in the easel division of the Works
             Progress Administration's Federal Art Project. This job was not only a
             source of income for nearly eight years, but also provided him with an
             opportunity to develop artistically.
             After years of hard work, his work of art was gaining not only
             ...