CUT, PASTE, & PRINT: A Matisse Adventure!

Get ready to “draw with scissors” in this colourful two-day student art workshop inspired by the bold, playful work of Henri Matisse.

Across two creative days, students will explore shape, colour, pattern and composition through a lively cut-paper process. Rather than starting with pencils and outlines, they will use scissors as their drawing tool, cutting bright papers into wiggly plants, bouncy blobs, flowing lines and wild abstract shapes. This approach encourages confidence, experimentation and freedom, helping students discover that art does not always need to begin with a perfect drawing.

On Day One, students will dive into the “Great Paper Cut-Out.” They will learn about Matisse’s famous paper cut-outs and use his joyful, energetic style as inspiration for their own work. Using coloured papers, students will snip, layer and arrange shapes to create a giant, vibrant collage full of movement and personality. They will experiment with scale, contrast and placement, building a bold group artwork that celebrates colour and imagination.

On Day Two, the creativity continues as students choose their favourite shapes from the collage process and transform them into custom stamps. They will explore how simple cut-out forms can become repeat patterns, printed motifs and personal designs. Students will ink up their stamps and press their shapes onto a canvas tote bag, creating a functional artwork they can carry home and use.

This workshop is bright, bold and full of creative energy. Students will build confidence using shape and colour, explore an iconic modern artist, and walk away with both a collaborative artwork experience and their own printed tote bag masterpiece.