7 Awesome Henri Matisse Projects for Kids
Looking for a Henri Matisse project for kids that’s fun, hands-on, and filled with color? Matisse’s art is the perfect inspiration for young artists—his cut-outs, bold shapes, and expressive compositions make his work exciting and accessible. His later works, often created with scissors and paper instead of paint, are almost instinctive—anyone who’s ever cut out a shape from colored paper has, in a way, worked like Matisse. Explore these Henri Matisse Projects for Kids to spark creativity.
That wasn’t always considered a compliment. When Matisse and the Fauves (meaning “wild beasts”) burst onto the scene in the early 1900s, critics dismissed their work as childish. But that unapologetic use of color and form is exactly what makes his art so compelling today. His iconic paper collages, like The Snail and Icarus, pushed abstraction even further, proving that art doesn’t have to be complex to be powerful.
Matisse’s approach is perfect for kids. It’s hands-on, process-driven, and leaves plenty of room for experimentation. Below, you’ll find tried-and-sworn-by Henri Matisse projects for kids from my studio, along with favorites from all over the web. Each Matisse-inspired art project for kids introduces them to his techniques—whether through cut-outs, collage, drawing, or mixed media.
Want to introduce kids to Henri Matisse’s life and major works? This guide covers his artistic journey, from Fauvism to his famous cut-outs. 👉 Learn more about Matisse’s art and legacy.
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Creativity takes courage.
Henri Matisse
7 Awesome Henri Matisse Projects for Kids
Matisse-Inspired Art Activity: Three-Dimensional Still Life
Inspired by Matisse’s bold still-life paintings, this project adds a sculptural twist by incorporating papier-mâché for texture. Kids create a raised, three-dimensional composition using torn paper and glue before painting over it with bright, Fauvist-inspired colors.
A fantastic Matisse children’s art project that blends painting with mixed media exploration.
Matisse Cut-Out Art Activity: Positive & Negative Space
This Matisse cut-out project for kids focuses on positive and negative space, inspired by works like Icarus and Blue Nude. Using cut paper, children create mirror-image compositions, exploring how both the shapes and their cut-out remnants contribute to the final design. A great way to teach balance and contrast in art.
Henri Matisse Collage Activity: Shape and Color Play
This Henri Matisse lesson plan introduces kids to his cut-out collage technique through a structured activity. Inspired by works like The Snail, children experiment with overlapping organic shapes, learning how color and form create movement. A great classroom-friendly Matisse-inspired art project for kids.
Scrap Paper Collage: Matisse-Style Abstract Art
Inspired by Matisse’s freeform cut-outs, this project uses scraps of torn paper instead of carefully cut shapes. Kids layer found paper materials to create dynamic, textured compositions that echo Matisse’s love for color contrast and abstraction. A perfect way to encourage spontaneous creativity.
BONUS: Two Picture Books About Matisse
📖 Henri Matisse: Drawing with Scissors – Jane O’Connor & Jessie Hartland
A lively introduction to Matisse’s art, focusing on his transition to cut-outs. Great for kids who want to see Matisse’s work in action before trying it themselves.
📖 Henri’s Scissors – Jeanette Winter
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of how Matisse adapted to a new way of making art, making it a perfect read before starting a Matisse kids’ art project.
How to Draw Like Matisse: Loose and Expressive Line Work
Instead of collage, this project focuses on Matisse’s expressive line drawings, inspired by his portraits and figure studies.
Using fluid, confident strokes, kids practice simplifying forms while capturing gestures and movement.
Painting with Scissors: Large-Scale Matisse Cut-Outs
Inspired by Matisse’s famous “painting with scissors” approach, this project encourages kids to work big—cutting out large, sweeping paper shapes and arranging them into bold, abstract compositions.
A fantastic hands-on exploration of scale, rhythm, and color in Matisse’s work.
Looking for more Matisse cut-out project ideas? This collection includes creative ways for kids to experiment with paper collage and bold shapes. 👉 See more Matisse cut-out projects here.
Fun with Matisse: Cut & Rearrange Shape Compositions
This Matisse-inspired art project for kids emphasizes composition and movement, much like La Gerbe. Instead of gluing immediately, kids are encouraged to cut and rearrange their shapes multiple times before finalizing their piece—just as Matisse did in his own studio. A great way to experiment with visual balance.
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