
Written by Jane O'Connor · Illustrated by Jessie Hartland
Part of the Smart About Art series
Discover Matisse's art through Keesia's eyes and her creative journey.
Keesia shares a birthday with Henri Matisse, inspiring her to explore his artistic legacy for a school report. As she delves into his world of vibrant paintings, sculptures, and innovative cut-outs, Keesia creates her own art in his style. Through this journey, she uncovers the secrets behind Matisse's genius and why he's celebrated as a twentieth-century master. Will Keesia's artistic exploration reveal new insights into her own creativity?
Keesia and Henri Matisse have the same birthday–New Year’s Eve! That’s why she picks him for her artist report. She finds out that over his long career Matisse made paintings, sculpture, books, costumes, and her favorite–his cut-outs, or what Matisse called “drawing with scissors.” The report is filled with about 20 of Matisse’s masterpieces as well as artwork that Keesia has created in his “style” (cut-out leaves, drawings through windows, fauvist animals). As she follows Matisse through his life she discovers why he is considered one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century.
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