P-2 ~ Still-life apples, inspired by Henri Matisse

Learning all about the artist Henri Matisse was fascinating and we were particularly intrigued by his paper cut-out techniques (he became very ill and was wheelchair bound, finding it difficult to stand and paint - if you ask the students I am sure they could tell you all about it!) Matisse was described as a master of painting and his still-life pieces were all so bold, vibrant and full of colour.

We explored this particular painting by Matisse, titled 'Apples on a Table'.

I showed students this photograph of some apples on a plate and we discussed how there were shadows formed on one side of the plate as well as on the sides of the apples.

We then had a go at painting the apples on the plate. Students traced a paper plate and plastic container to make the shapes of the plate and rounded apples. They also used the backs of plastic spoons to paint their apples (just to mix things up a bit and give a different texture to the apples!)

We added some colour to our plates and background using poster paints and painted shadows on the apples and the plate. We also added a touch of white pastel on the opposite side of the apples to replicate the shine of light.

I was so impressed with each and every one of the students' paintings! Adding the light and shadow effects really made the apples take form and the contrasting plate and background colours made the apples just pop! Well done to all my mini-Matisse students!!