I am an awesome artist. I fill my mind with art.

I learn about other artists that lived before me and about artists that are still alive today. My art work improves, when I take time to look at the art work of others.

I will learn a little about the artist

This slide show has examples of Matisses painting and collage work.

Collage by Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse created in a variety of media during his long life. He lived from 1869 1954. He is best known for his paintings and his paper cut out collages. As a child and a young man, he had no interest in art. After high school, he studied law.
HENRI MATISSE

At age 21, he had to stay in the hospital for a long time. During his hospital stay, he became interested in painting and art.

I will learn a little bit about Matisse and his painting.

The Red Studio is a well known Matisse painting.

Matisse was a hard working artist. He was passionate about his art. He learned drawing and painting at art School, Ecole des Beaux-Arts. He chose painting as his profession.

An Early Painting by Matisse

Studio Under the Eaves, 1903 Oil on Canvas Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, Mass.

Matisse painted hundreds and hundreds of paintings, in his lifetime.

Interior at Collioure 1905 Oil on Canvas Private collection Switzerland

Matisse painted his friends. As time went on, his paintings became more abstract. He was more interested in designing with colors and shapes than making the picture look real.
Andre Durain, 1905 Oil on canvas Tate Gallery London, England Europe

Matisse painted what he saw around him everyday. He painted nature.

The Bank Oil on canvas Krunstmuseum Basle

Like all great artists, Matisse explored art from different times in history, other cultures, and the art of his fellow artists. He was very influenced by the patterns he saw in African tribal art. Below are examples of patterns in African textiles.

Detail of rafia applique Kuba Kingdom, Zaire

Bogolan mud-dyed cloth of Mali

* Examples from The Art Of African Textiles by Duncan Clarke

Harmony in Red 1908 Oil on canvas Hermitage Leningrad

I see many patterns in Matisses work.

I notice the way Matisses lines extend off the edge of the canvas. I see the bold use of shape and pattern.

The Lorrain Chair, 1919 Oil on Canvas Private Collection

I can identify bright and bold patterns in this Matisse painting. I know the beautiful patterns in African art influenced Matisse.
The Egyptian Curtain 1948 Oil on Canvas Phillips Collection Washington

Next collages.

When Matisse was older, he worked on his paper cutout collages.

Matisse liked arranging shapes to make beautiful compositions.

Matisse used simple, bright colors.

Collage by Henri Matisse

Collage by Henri Matisse

He didnt care about things looking too Real.

Collage by Henri Matisse

Collage by Henri Matisse

Matisse collage designs have been used to make stain glass windows.

Collage by Henri Matisse

Interior of the Chapel of the Rosary Venice, 1950 The Tree of Life, stained glass

Thats all about Henri Matisse. These works are only a very small sample of the art work of Henri Matisse. Many books have been written about him.
* Matisse paintings are from Henri Matisse by Volkmar Essers.