Calais students learned all about the life and work of French artist Henri Matisse and after studying his work, became inspired and created their own masterpieces in art class.

Art teacher Christine Orna told students how Matisse, known for his Expressionism and Post-Impressionism, became disabled later in life, was in a wheelchair and had difficulty using his hands. He was unable to paint anymore but decided he would create art another way-using paper cutouts. In fact, Matisse would commission others to paint bright bold colors on paper and he would prepare them to cut shapes out of them.

“Once the shapes were cut out, Henri Matisse would arrange them on large paper or canvas and his helpers would then glue the pieces down,” Mrs. Orna said. “He proved to us that no matter how hard things get, you can still find a way to be creative. His quote ‘creativity takes courage” is what this project is all about.”

Matisse was known for his use of color and his fluid and original draughtsmanship. He was a draughtsman, printmaker and sculptor, but was perhaps best known for his painting.

Mrs. Orna told her students all about the French artist and then asked them to create a paper cut-out piece just like Matisse did. Students then cut out shapes and arranged them creatively before gluing them. “They were challenged at first because they couldn’t draw or paint a picture and it took some thought before they created wonderful pieces of art,” she said.

The students were not limited to creating shapes like Matisse but could create any shapes they liked. “They just used his method in order to create their works of art,” Mrs. Orna said.
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