Easy Matisse Cut-Out Art Activity for Kids
Introduce kids to the vibrant and playful world of Henri Matisse with this easy cut-out art activity!
Inspired by Matisse’s famous cut-out artworks, this project is perfect for smaller kids to develop fine motor skills and improve hand-eye coordination. Open-ended yet structured, this activity lets kids explore colors, shapes, and composition while encouraging creativity and focus.
With simple materials and endless possibilities, this project is great for children aged 3 and up.
Henri Matisse, a pioneering French artist, is renowned for his innovative use of color and form. In the 1940s, following health challenges that limited his mobility, Matisse began creating his iconic cut-out artworks. He referred to this technique as “drawing with scissors,” using painted sheets of paper to craft vibrant compositions of abstract shapes, plants, animals, and figures.
Extension Ideas
1. Make It a Roll of Dice Game!
Turn the activity into a fun and spontaneous game by using a dice to decide key aspects of the project. For example, let kids roll to determine how many colors they can use, what type of shapes they will cut (like organic, geometric, or stripy), and how to arrange their composition (such as overlapping, symmetrical, or clustered in one corner).
2. Read Henri’s Scissors
Introduce children to Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter, a beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the story of Henri Matisse and his later years when he developed his iconic cut-out art. After reading, discuss how Matisse overcame challenges by finding a new way to create art, and ask kids how they might innovate in their own work.
3. Collaborative Artwork
Encourage teamwork by having the kids combine their individual cut-outs into one large collaborative artwork. Provide a large sheet of paper or a mural-sized board for the background, and let them work together to arrange and glue their shapes.
Read also:
How to Create Henri Matisse-Inspired Cut-Out Art
Materials:
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Safety scissors
- Glue sticks
- Large sheet of paper or cardboard for the background
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Begin by showing the children examples of Matisse’s cut-out artworks, focusing on his vibrant colors and bold shapes. Highlight how he used scissors as his “drawing tool” and arranged simple shapes into beautiful compositions.
Step 2: Let children choose a limited palette (eg. 1 color for the background and two for the shapes). Encourage them to think about the shapes they want to cut out, such as organic, geometric, or abstract forms. Let them explore freely but suggest they focus on a few key elements to create balance in their artwork. You can also make it a game (see extensions) to add an element of surprise and fun to the process.
Step 3: Have the children cut out all their shapes before arranging them. This helps them focus on the design process rather than gluing as they go. Suggest they experiment with different arrangements, such as clustering shapes in one corner, spreading them evenly, or layering them to create overlapping effects.
Step 4: Once they are satisfied with their arrangement, guide them to carefully glue their shapes onto the background.
Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Have you tried it yourself or have suggestions to share? I’d love to see your creations! Share them with #ArtSproutsArt and tag me @art_sprouts_art. Don’t forget to pin this for later and follow me on Pinterest for more creative ideas!
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