Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the life and art of Henry Matisse, including his unique style and techniques. The student will also create their own artwork inspired by Matisse, allowing them to express their creativity while applying what they've learned.
Materials and Prep
- Paper (plain or colored)
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- Scissors (if cutting paper)
- Glue (if creating a collage)
- A reference image of a Matisse painting (can be printed or viewed online)
Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with some of Matisse's most famous works, such as "The Dance" and "The Snail". Prepare a few fun facts about his life to share during the lesson.
Activities
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Matisse Art Exploration:
Start by looking at some of Matisse's artwork together. Discuss the colors, shapes, and feelings they evoke. Ask the student what they notice about the art style and how it makes them feel.
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Colorful Collage Creation:
Using colored paper, the student can create a collage inspired by Matisse's use of color and form. Encourage them to cut out shapes and arrange them in a way that feels expressive and joyful.
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Drawing Like Matisse:
Have the student create their own Matisse-inspired drawing using crayons or markers. Encourage them to use bold colors and simple shapes, mimicking Matisse's style.
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Art Gallery Walk:
Once the artwork is complete, set up a mini art gallery at home. The student can display their creations, and you can walk through it together, discussing each piece and what inspired them.
Talking Points
- "Did you know that Matisse was born in France in 1869? He loved to paint and use bright colors!"
- "Matisse was part of a group of artists called the Fauves, which means 'wild beasts' in French. They used bold colors that were very different from what people were used to!"
- "One of Matisse's famous quotes is, 'What characterized fauvism was that we had a great joy in painting.' How do you feel when you create art?"
- "Matisse often painted things like dancers and flowers. What are some things you love to draw or paint?"
- "He also made amazing cut-outs later in his life. What do you think about using scissors to create art?"
- "Matisse believed that art should be a source of joy. How can we make our art joyful today?"
- "He used shapes and colors to express feelings instead of just trying to make things look real. What feelings do you want your art to express?"
- "Matisse said, 'There are always flowers for those who want to see them.' What flowers can we find in our art today?"
- "His art was sometimes simple, but it was always full of life! How can we make our art come alive?"
- "Matisse's work teaches us that there are no rules in art. What rules can we break to make our art special?"