Combine bright colors with a Christmas tree to create fun abstract Christmas art inspired by famous artist, Henri Matisse! Make your own Christmas tree collage inspired by the shapes of Matisse. Matisse art for kids is also a great way to explore art with kiddos of all ages. All you need is some paint, a sheet of art paper, and our free printable template you will find below!
MATISSE COLLAGES
At the end of his career, Henri Matisse began creating artwork using cut paper and gouache paint, a natural watercolor paint that dries opaque. He learned how to draw with scissors, after health issues had him confined to a wheelchair. Matisse used brightly colored paper and scissors to cut out shapes, animals, leaves, dancers, and flowers. Then, he would arrange them in unique designs.
The cut-outs were created in distinct phases. First, the raw materials – paper and gouache, were purchased, and then the two materials were combined. Studio assistants painted sheets of paper with gouache. Matisse then cut shapes from these painted papers and arranged them into compositions.
Make your own “drawing” with shapes as inspired by Matisse with this fun Christmas art project. Let’s get started!
MORE FUN MATISSE ART PROJECTS FOR KIDS
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE CHRISTMAS ART PRINTABLE!
MATISSE CHRISTMAS TREE ART
Try this Jacob Lawrence, Shapes and Stories activity for another fun collage art project!
SUPPLIES:
- Matisse shapes template
- Colored markers
- Scissors
- Acrylic paints
- Canvas or art paper
- Paper towel
- Glue
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1. Print the Matisse shapes template.
STEP 2. Color the shapes with markers and cut out.
STEP 3. Paint a blank canvas or art paper with acrylic paint.
STEP 4. Dab the wet paint with a paper towel to create a textured look.
STEP 5. Glue the branched tree onto the painted canvas. Then place the “ornaments” anywhere you like on your Christmas tree!
MORE CHRISTMAS ART FOR KIDS
Printable Winter Holiday Art Projects Pack
Celebrate the Winter season with themed art!
Everything you need is included. Just add art supplies! Perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy with a variety of techniques. Whether in the classroom, at home, or with groups, there is a fantastic variety of art activities to try!
Find all the instructions and templates necessary for over 40 art projects this Winter.
Snowflakes, Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, and Valentine’s Day
Explore process art, STEAM, and even famous artists with these very doable art activities that won’t break the budget or the time you have available!
