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(1869-1954)

The son of a French general store owner, Matisse took up painting at the age of 21 when his mother gave him a box full of painting supplies.

His paintings started out as traditional, but grew into the impressionist style when he saw the works of artists like Vincent van Gogh.

Matisse used bold primary colors and strong brush strokes in his paintings, and sometimes even cut up paper and made collages.

Before he died he was known as one of the leaders of the modern art world, and even had a museum built for him!

We hope you enjoy learning about this artist!

Click here for a more detailed biography!

Parents, please preview all the art on this page to determine if it is appropriate for your family.

Fun Stuff

Check out this fun color game!

Match heads on portraits, and make your own art in this game!

Fight world hunger and learn about art at the same time!

Here’s a crossword puzzle to see how much your students know about impressionism!

Check out Walker Art Center’s collection of educational resources.

Over 70 educational activities and units are currently included on this site. The activities are organized by grade and by subject.

Here’s an awesome documentary on the life of Henri Matisse!

Luxe, Calme et Volupté

Oil on canvas.

c. 1904.

Here Matisse shows us a summer scene by a lake, in almost completely unnatural, bright colors.

This piece is kept at the Museé d’Orsay in Paris, France. Click here to check out their website!

Here’s an awesome video analysis from Khan Academy!

The Open Window

Oil on canvas.

c. 1905.

Matisse painted this piece based off of the amazing view out the window of his apartment in Collioure, on the southern coast of France.

This piece is kept at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. Click here to check out their website!

Click here to read more about this piece!

The Red Studio

Oil on canvas.

c. 1911.

This one really lives up to it’s name, here, Matisse gives us a view of his studio space in all red, although his studio probably wasn’t actually red everywhere.

This piece is kept at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, New York. Click here to check out their website!

Here’s an awesome video analysis from Khan Academy!

The Piano Lesson

Oil on canvas.

c. 1916.

This one gives a look from the inside of an abstract and colorful house, as this boy plays the piano.

This piece is kept at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, New York. Click here to check out their website!

Here’s an awesome podcast from NPR that goes over Matisse and his ever changing style of artistic expression.

If you enjoy what you’ve learned so far, here’s the best place to purchase additional resources we couldn’t bring to you.

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