Henri Matisse

Matisse created art differently than most artists of his time. He used paper and scissors to compose a remarkable masterpiece. Since 1940, Matisse has used this art form. He uses various sizes of shapes made from paper with a gouche' washes of color. Cutting the designs out, Matisse pastes them onto the art surface creating a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing work of art.

Matisse created these paper cut outs for about 25 years. He constructed more than 200 pieces of this style of artwork. A great artist, Matisse was unusual in his form and style, but the works are beautiful to look at and admire.

"I tried to create a paper cut out project myself. While trying to make my masterpiece, I discovered that Matisse's art form is actually very complicated to do. To make it look right, one has to utilize contrasting colors and shapes, which is difficult."