Materials
Construction paper: full sheets, half sheets, scraps
Scissors
Glue
Hole puncher (optional)
Prints or book showing examples of Matisse's cut-outs
Instructions
1. Explain to children that one very famous artist, who lived long ago in France, invented a beautiful
art form called "cut-outs."
2. Show examples of some of Henri Matisse's cut-outs, such as in Henri Matisse Cut-outs by John
Elderfield. Explain that after painting most of his life, he did lots of experimenting with paper
while resting in his bed.
3. Demonstrate how holes or even patterns can be cut from paper, then various colors of scrap
paper can be placed behind the holes to create a beautiful design. Children have an easier time
cutting the spaces if you teach them how to fold and cut a space, rather than punch scissors
through the center of paper in order to maintain framed edge.
4. Provide each child with scissors and a full sheet of paper. Allow them to cut their own designs
from the whole sheets of paper. Depending on the age of children, you may need to help pre-
vent excessive cutting.
5. Clear table of small scraps, then offer usable scraps or half sheets and glue. Allow children to
choose the colors they want to put behind each open space. Suggest that they lay out their
work before gluing to be sure they have created the design they want.
6. Edges may need to be trimmed, and you may want to frame cut-outs on larger pieces of paper.
More to do
More art: Hold an art exhibit to display your artwork to other classes, teachers, or parents.
