My studies in art history continue with Paper Painting by Henri Matisse – The Cut-Outs.

I’m so happy to bring you more information about Henri Matisse and his famous cut-out technique. This artist has influenced me greatly and is one of the first to gain attention for the collage-style that I find so exciting. He considered it “drawing with scissors” and named his new technique “cut-out.”

Henri Matisse (1864 – 1954) was instrumental in several important modern art movements, specifically expressionism and fauvism. His bright, lively and playful compositions breath life into any space they inhabit.

In this time of Covid-19, I’m always looking for a silver lining, the good that comes with the bad. Matisse started painting at age 21 while recuperating from appendicitis. This prompted him to pursue art seriously and become an influential artist in the 19th century Europe. Then towards the end of his life, he suffered from intestinal cancer and had to have major surgery. It left him unable to stand and paint. He learned to work from his bed or from a chair, which prompted his experimentation with cut-out shapes. That is two times that Mr. Matisse elevated his art career due to illness.

Matisse in studio with paper cut-outs

I have heard that Matisse felt his cut-outs were his favorite medium. Armed with a large pair of scissors, he created installations (sometimes entire rooms) where the negative space was every bit as important as the positive shapes he crafted. A favorite of mine, “The Parakeet and the Mermaid” brought nature and the outdoors in and made a garden that he could walk through while inside. The simplicity of single colored organic shapes created leaves and bushes, and a parakeet and a mermaid of course.

I am fascinated by Matisse for more than just his technique. The spirit of his work is joyful and uplifting. He insists on an energy and lightness in his paintings and installations. His art is bold, bright, playful and alive, and that is what I hope my art to be. Art does not have to be anything other than living, breathing shocking beauty. He doesn’t worry that it be anything other than what it is.

The Parakeet and the Mermaid, Henri Matisse

In general, Matisse’s content is female nudes, botanical designs and geometric shapes, but it is so much more. It is a celebration of art, color and life – put together by the simple act of cutting shapes into painted paper and adhering them to a surface. I love the following Matisse quote, “Seek the strongest color effect possible… the content is of no importance.”

It is important for artists to place their work into the context of art history and understand they are part of something greater than just time alone in the studio. I hope to continue sharing my soirees into art history as it relates to my work and what I love about art.

Wildlife by Maureen Maki, Matisse-like?

Finally, I would like to show a painting that has a Matisse feel, and I felt this one called Wildlife may be worthy. Yes, it is made out of cut-out shapes of paper. And yes, it exudes a light playfulness. Good!