Henri Matisse: For the love of Art & Books

Books: Matisse the King of Color by Laurence Anholt, Henri Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, by Jane O'Conner.

I loved reading the story about Matisse the King of Color. This story is about how Matisse repays Monique for looking after him when he was sick. When he was sick in bed, he used a long chalk and drew his grandchildren on the ceiling so he never felt alone at night. He always reinvented what art should be and used colourful cut outs to play with light.

His work of bright bold colours and simple material make him the perfect artist for young kids to learn about. He worked creatively for half a decade and produced original, fresh, exciting works. He was never afraid to try new things or make mistakes.

When Matisse was very sick, he created a new form of art by cutting out colourful pieces of papers with large scissors. He described it as ‘painting with scissors.’ We got inspired and decided to create our own Matisse inspired cut out art.

Matisse Inspired Cut Out Art – Materials:

- Large white sheet

- Colourful paper

- Scissors

- Jazz Music

N's Matisse Inspired Cut Out Art

Guide –

- Younger kids – Draw rounded shapes on the colourful paper for younger kids and make a simple cut and paste activity. It’s a good time to make them understand about the different types of shapes.

- Older kids should not use any pencils! Simply listen to the music and get inspired to cut simple fluid, curvy shapes and spirals, as well as geometric and stylized shapes. Or be inspired and add your own twist!

It has bothered me all my life that I do not paint like everybody else.

- – Henri Matisse 1869-1954