Looking for a fun way to introduce kids to famous artists and abstract art? This Henri Matisse art project is perfect for exploring shapes, color, and creativity! Based on Matisse’s iconic ” The Beast of the Sea” collage, this hands-on art activity encourages kids to cut, color, and paste their own masterpieces, just like Matisse did!
Matisse Art Project for Kids
This is a fantastic process art project for home or classroom use. It allows kids to explore abstract shapes, composition, and color theory while learning about a famous artist in a super fun way. No two pieces will look the same—and that’s the beauty of it!
🎨 Explore more Famous Artist projects here.
Who Was Henri Matisse?
Henri Matisse was a French artist known for his bold use of color and shape. In his later years, he created a series of cut-paper artworks he called “cut-outs.” One of his most famous works is Beast of the Sea, made entirely from colorful paper shapes in a beautiful collage depicting the life and death of sea animals.
🎨 Also explore these Matisse Art Projects for Kids: Bird Collage and Matisse Flowers.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Printable Matisse shape templates (included below!)
- Scissors
- Glue stick or glue
- Colored construction paper or cardstock
- Markers or crayons (optional, for coloring the shapes)
- A large background sheet for assembling the collage
🎨 Pro Tip: Create an art cart with basics like crayons, scissors, glue, paints, and paper so kids can jump into creative fun anytime!
How to Make a Beast of the Sea Collage:
TIP: If you want to create a more unstructured art project, show your kids the original artwork and have them make their own unique interpretation of the masterpiece. The result can be similar or completely different. This is a great way to vary the art project for various age groups.
- Print your templates. Choose from 7 different pages of Matisse-inspired shapes.
- Color your shapes if you printed in black and white, or trace them onto colored paper.
- Cut out the shapes carefully.
- Arrange your shapes on your background paper. Think about balance, space, and layering like Matisse!
- Glue them down once you’re happy with your design.
- Display proudly—you just made Matisse-inspired art!
Matisse Extension Ideas
- Art History Tie-In: Read a book like Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter.
- Vocabulary Words: Abstract, collage, composition, cut-outs.
- Art Elements Focus: Talk about shape, color, and positive/negative space.
- Create a Gallery Walk: Have kids display and explain their pieces to each other.
🎨 Learn about the 7 Elements of Art here.
Grab the Free Printable Matisse Art Project Pack
Want to make a Beast of the Sea collage? Grab the full printable Matisse art project template here – includes 7 pages of shape options and two finished examples for inspiration!
More Famous Artist Projects to Try
- Picasso Faces for Kids
- Pop Art Self-Portraits Inspired by Andy Warhol
- Kandinsky Circle Activity
- Frida Kahlo Art Projects
- Van Gogh Mixed Media Project
Printable Famous Artists Project Pack
Want to learn even more about famous artists? The famous artist pack is a growing resource filled with fantastic projects to explore and create!
Inside The Art Pack: Find 24+ famous artists to explore.
Also, look for tips for success, getting started information, and more! Note: Many options for female and POC artists are also included.
Each artist includes:
- Artist Project Sheets, each with three ideas to try.
- Additional Artist Project Printable Activities to go along with each artist and project.
- Simple Artist Biography Sheets that are kid-friendly. Get to know each artist!
- Animated Artist Videos that cover a simple project idea to try for each artist!
- My Favorite Artist Mini Pack to explore a favorite artist further if desired.
- Getty Challenge shows you how to try this cool art challenge at home or in the classroom!
- Supply List to help you fill your art cart for anytime projects!
- Helpful Tips make each project successful for Everyone!
- Bonus Projects Pack Full of Easy Ideas, including a DIY Art Camp!
