Grades: K - 2nd grades (Y1-2)
Materials: Pictures of work by Matisse (especially his later work on paper
collage) as motivation, coloured paper (photocopy strength), scissors,
glue (P.V.A is best), black paper cut to A3 size (12" x
18"), paint, white paper cut to A3 size (12"x18"), black vivids
(felt tip markers).
Procedure: After looking at the work of Matisse, focus on his later work on
paper collage. Explain why Matisse turned to cutting, ripping paper
and look at the techniques he used. Focus on colour and shape,
especially the way paper was arranged to create form. In the first
lesson the children did 3 observational drawings in pencil, of still
life flowers in a vase. While the children work, talk and get them to
focus on specific aspects of the still life. Encourage the children
by stopping them and showing others their work and discuss what you like
about it. Remind the children to keep looking at the still life
while they draw- so they draw what they see. Give them a time limit
on each drawing. I gave them 5 minutes for the first, 3 minutes for
the second and 1 minute for the third. By the time they get to the
last drawing they will be looking only at the most important aspects
of the still life.
The second lesson is where you look again at the children's drawings
and discuss aspects you liked from each. Discuss with the children
that they will be using scissors instead of a pencil to create their
picture. They will not draw it first or use rubbers (erasers), just cutting or
ripping the coloured paper and gluing it to the black paper. Black
paper brings out the colours the best and if you use P.V.A glue it
dries quickly and doesn't leave too many marks. Remind the children
to think big and fill their paper. Don't let the children glue until
they have cut and arranged their paper first. The finished work looks
great when framed with bright coloured paper. I found this activity
great, as many young children have little or no experience with
scissors.
For the third lesson, time will be needed to discuss rules for painting
and your expectations. The children then paint their still life in the
style of Matisse- simple lines, shapes and with a limited palette. I gave
the children 4 colours- yellow, blue, green, red on white paper again A3
size. When dry, the children outlined with black vivid or similar
thick felt. This work looked great displayed on the wall.
Hope you enjoy doing this as much as I did!
Parent help is a great idea too- organize this early.
Elementary Art Lessons
