There’s always been something about Matisse’s art that has felt incredibly freeing – the lack of needing to cut in a straight line. The way that his paintbrush moves around the artwork, not feeling constrained by needing to paint between the lines.
Matisse was a man who couldn’t keep creativity out of his life – and he let nothing stand in his way. Even when he was too sick to move, he resorted to art that he could do in bed. He created collage after collage using bold and vibrant organic shapes.
And then he put his shapes in order, like he did most everything in his life – his attire, his home, and his art. I’m confident Matisse was a man who organized his paint and crayon colors as well. (Everyone does this, right?)
When we started creating The Glitter Bomb, he came to mind immediately as inspiration. We created an underwater paradise using the same beautiful vibrant colors as would be found under the sea. First step: create some painted paper.
Making Painted Paper
Making painted paper is one of the joys of elementary art. It’s also a secret love of mine and I dare you to stop at just one piece yourself! It’s process art that can be reused for so many beautiful projects, especially ones involving collage like our Matisse Crab project in the Tide Pools bundle.
There are so many ways to create this one-of-a-kind paper – here are some of my favorites:
- Use 1-2 colors to paint loose, broad strokes over a piece of paper
- Paint the paper with one color, and then use 1-3 colors to paint patterns on top (used in the Matisse Crab project)
- Cover the paper with 1-3 colors and use texture tools, cardboard pieces, plastic forks, toothpicks, or other found items to scrape, scratch, and draw in the paint creating texture
- Paint the paper with one color, add a coat of mod podge, and then sprinkle fine glitter over it for glitter paper
Making painted paper can be the most incredible experience for kids – they’re allowed to just… paint.
They can try new colors, new textures, new brush strokes. Now all that freedom can make the aftermath feel a little frightening. Especially when you’re like me, and are a bit of a free spirited artist.
But don’t let that stop you. A tablecloth, containers for paint, brushes, some tools, and a designated drying spot are all you need to make this not happen. But if you end up with a mess, be assured that liquid tempera is very easy to clean up and you can go from a painted table to a dinner worthy surface in minutes.
If you’re looking for the perfect tempera to get started with, my favorite is Crayola Artista II. It’s less expensive than their Premier, and definitely better than their washable which goes on too thin.
Creating an Undersea Masterpiece
Cutting out a crab from red construction paper is super cute, but when cutting it out from painted paper, especially paper painted with patterns inspired from Matisse’s work, the crab comes to life.
Using different patterns for the crab, seaweed, and other sea creatures provides a wealth of color. And it makes the piece of art different every single time.
Painted Paper Pieces
Although the Matisse Crab is for an ocean art project, these beautiful painted paper patterns can be used for so much more (both the whole pieces and the scraps)!
Try using the Matisse style painted paper for one of the following:
- a garden
- hearts for Valentine’s Day
- giant letters to create your name
- aliens or monsters with funny body parts and multiple eyes
- a giant ice cream cone with multiple scoops
- tropical birds
Download this project in the FREE Tide Pools bundle
Want the step-by-step details? This Matisse Crab art project is available for FREE in our Tide Pools bundle of The Glitter Bomb. Click below to grab the Tide Pools bundle for free- 10 other lessons and cross-curricular extensions that will bring a little summer into your home.
We would love it if you’d share!
Don’t forget to tag us at @soulsparklettes on social media if you make this Matisse crab art project with your kids or students – we love to see what you create!
Join the Glitterbombers Membership!
This is only one of the many diverse art lessons in the Glitterbombers Membership. Hundreds more art projects, videos, and resources at your fingertips for whatever you’re studying, or whatever art concept you’re ready to teach. Head here to hop on the waitlist and find out when we open next!