Jazz (Icarus) by Matisse - "Painting With Scissors"

Medium: Colored construction paper. 

Reason for lesson: Help students learn about Henri Matisse and his style of art. Focus on his use of color, natural subjects, and especially his "painting with scissors."

Label: 2nd grade, Matisse

Preparation prior to class: Collect supplies. Cut 8.5x11 yellow construction paper in half, cut 8.5x11 red construction paper into small swuares, about 1"X11".

Class time: 1 hour

Materials: Colored construction paper (red, black, blue, yellow). Glue sticks (can use Elmer's glue but be careful of extra glue showing..leaves shiny spots). Scissors. Printed pics of Matisse artwork; include Jazz (Icarus).

Lesson Instructions:

1. Give each child one piece each of 8.5x11 blue and black paper, one of the half pieces of yellow, and one square of red, and a glue stick.

2. Give short bio of Henri Matisse.

3. Show 3-4 examples and discuss artwork of Matisse.

4. Display a copy of Jazz (Icarus) artwork for students to use as a guide. 

5. Demonstrate cutting in one connected line around the shape of a body. 

6. Demonstrate cutting a star freehand and allow students about 6 stars. Tip: show students how to cut a circle and then cut star points around it. 

7. Demonstrate cutting either a circle or heart from red paper. 

8. Have students glue all pieces on.