Here is a quick Matisse-inspired lesson suitable for grades K-1. All you need is copy paper and markers. It is just right for a substitute teacher, or anytime you need a low-mess 40-minute project.
We began by looking at this painting by Matisse.
Matisse ‘Purple Robe and Anemones’ 1937. Source: wikipaintings.org
We identified patterns in the artwork: I said, “thumbs up if you can see an orange striped wall…a vase with wavy stripes…a floor with black diamonds” etc. We noticed Matisse used a lot of colors as well. Next students folded the copy paper into quarters. I modeled how to draw of a vase of flowers on a pedestal in the very center of the paper.
Then the children drew a different colored pattern in each quadrant of the paper. They added a pattern to the pedestal and base as well. Some even added fruit to the pedestal, just like Matisse.
We had enough time to watch this cute video of When Pigasso Met Mootisse
Enjoy!
Do you have a favorite sub plan?
