Henri Matisse

Background Born in France in Had little interest in art during school. Began his career as a lawyer.

Background Fell ill while practicing law. Passed the time painting while recovering from illness. Decides to become an artist. Gave up law, moved to Paris after recovery.

Paris : the place to be if you were an artist in the 1890’s. Surrounded by fellow artists… The Post Impressionists : Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne. Post Impressionist: an artist of the Post Impressionist school who revolted against Impressionism.

Heavily influenced by the Post Impressionists. Began using bright colors in his paintings. Soon became part of the Fauve Movement. Woman, 1905Green Line, 1909 Dance, 1097 Portrait, 1911 Matisse’s Artwork

The Fauves “wild beasts” “Mountains at Collioure,” André Derain, “Boats in the Port of Collioure,” André Derain, Paul Gaugin, Self Portrait Georges Braque, 1909 Landscape at La Ciotat, 1907

Began to reduce shapes and flatten colors to express the essence of his subjects (figures). Music, 1939 Woman With Fower Vase, 1933 Matisse’s Artwork Began to work with “Color Sensations ”: shapes and the spaces around them.

Matisse’s Artwork At age of 72, a major operation nearly killed him. Could no longer stand at an easel to paint. Cut shapes out of paper with scissors. Worked from his imagination. Created an environment of cut paper in his studio… walls, ceiling, and floor.

“Finally, I have found the most direct way to express myself…the paper cutout.” -Henri Matisse

Important Ideas to remember… Was part of the Fauve Movement in France. Simplify subject matter to show it’s basic qualities. Discovered the “essence” of his subjects, and created shapes to express them.

Quotes “ What I am after, above all, is expression.” “The truly original artist invents his own signs.” - Henri Matisse

The Green Line Pink Nude Black Leaf on Green Woman with a Hat The Window Blue Nude Untitled. Cut Paper Collage Blue Figure, White Figure

Matisse-Inspired Cut Paper Abstractions You will use your knowledge of shape, negative & positive space, and visual balance, to create a cut paper abstraction.

1 st : Brainstorm Possible Paper Expansions For Example….

1 st : Brainstorm Possible Paper Expansions For Example….

2 nd : Start Sketching! In your sketchbook, create 4 boxes

(2 per page). Begin creating possible designs using SHAPE ONLY.

3rd: Draw final design on Contrasto paper very lightly! 4th: Cut out design using X-acto knife. 5th: Transfer shapes to opposite side & stick to base board.

Examples