Sydne Archambault Art Collections

Matisse Inspired

Henri Matisse, a french pioneer in Impressionism left a huge foot print with his vibrant art. His simple yet complex art was fluid and beautiful. He was draftsman, a printer and sculptor as well. It was in 1941 when he finally found satisfaction in his work. He was recovering from a dangerous and controversial operation for colon cancer. He was confined to a wheel chair during his convalescence and began creating art via cut outs (gouaches découpés) from colored paper he had made. It was a new lease on life and his art. He said, "I can finally say what I wanted to". Indeed he did, and his cut-outs is today an inspiriting for many artists. There is much freedom in letting go of detail and use shapes of people, flowers, animals and let them take their own life. I took a class under the instructions of Winifred Whitfield in Digital Art Academy, "Matisse Inspired". From the class I drew an incredible wealth of knowledge from Matisse that can only improve my art work in the future. I am thankful I met Henri Matisse through his beautiful art.