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Who needs a paintbrush when you have scissors? (Henri Matisse)

Posted on 12 Mar at 9:52 am

Meet Henri Matisse.

The French master of bold colors, playful shapes, and art that makes you feel happy. 

He started as a painter but discovered a whole new way to create… by cutting shapes out of colored paper and arranging them into stunning, abstract designs.

He called it “drawing with scissors.”

Why is Matisse’s art so special?

  • He turned simple paper and scissors into masterpieces.
  • His bright, bold cutouts inspire joy and imagination.
  • His famous works, like The Snail and Beasts of the Sea, prove that art doesn’t have to look realistic to be powerful.

What will your students learn from Matisse?

  • The power of abstract shapes to express emotions.
  • How to create contrast using positive and negative space.
  • A hands-on approach to storytelling through color and form.
Henri Matisse Art Lesson
Students cut their own “sea stories” after being inspired by Henri Matisse. The above was created by a 4th grader.

 

In your classroom, students can:

  • Cut and arrange their own colorful, abstract shapes.
  • Use Matisse’s technique to create undersea landscapes or bold collages.
  • Explore how colors interact and how movement can be shown without lines.

No need for paint… just scissors, paper, and imagination. 

This project is perfect for all grade levels and teaches students to think like artists.

Want to see how other students have brought Matisse’s style to life? 

Check out even more student masterpieces in the Student Gallery.

Bonus: Video of Matisse “cutting” his next masterpiece!

Let’s make art that moves!

Meet the Masters
Inspire – Educate – Create

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We have been enjoying Meet the Masters at Friends Christian School for about 7 years. I am so impressed with the program. It has taught the children not only facts about a particular artist but also a love of art. Many of the students who are not excelling academically find a talent or expression in art that they may not find anywhere else. This builds their self-confidence. I have seen this time and time again. Our MTM teacher has been such an inspiration to our students with her passion and enthusiasm. The way she leads the assembly with slides, hands-on objects, facts, and background of the artist has the kids so intently listening it is amazing. The children are able to recall facts about the artist long after the project, because it is taught in such an interesting and exciting way. Being someone who loves art and creativity I wanted to thank you for this program for our school and thank you for sending a teacher who loves what she does.

We are truly blessed.

Art Teacher Curriculum
Kayla Jernigan
Friends Christian School Yorba Linda, CA
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