Artist Studies for Kids: Matisse-inspired Screen Print & Collage

Welcome to Artist Studies for Kids!

In this series, we celebrate inspiring artists tailored for educators working with ages 4-8. Each post features successful process-based projects linked to the artist. These projects are designed to encourage students to explore and engage with the artist’s work in different ways.

We love to introduce a project with a book, and working large scale (see this post). Then, we move on to individual projects.

Matisse-inspired Screen Printed Collage

In this project, we explore paper-cutting, screen-printing, and create layered collages inspired by Matisse.

Gather Your Supplies:

• Screen printing frame (you can use any wooden frame and printing mesh)

• Fabric paint or screen printing ink (we love Speedball ink)

• Squeegee

• Masking or blue tape

• Printer paper (we used colourful A4 paper cut in quarters).

• Colourful cardstock

• Scissors

• Pencil for drawing shapes (not required, but some students prefer it)

Screen Printed Cut-Outs: The Process

The magic of this technique is that the shapes are easy to cut out of paper, and stick to the screen because of the ink, allowing for multiple prints on different coloured papers.

1. Prepare your Screen:

   • Mark out a rectangle using masking tape, slightly smaller than the paper you plan to print on.

   • Block off all the surrounding area with tape, so you are left with a clear area to work on.

2. Paper Cutting:

   • Using plants, images of the artists’ work, and your collaborative mural as inspiration, draw and cut out natural forms from paper, and arrange them on cardstock.

3. Ink It Up:

   • Apply a generous amount of ink at the top of your screen.

   • Using the squeegee, spread the ink across the screen, overlaying a single color directly over the shapes and cardstock

   • Pull the squeegee across the screen several times.

4. The Big Reveal:

   • Hold your breath as you carefully unveil the print beneath.

Voila! You've just created your very own Matisse-inspired print! We talk about how different colours backgrounds make the shapes stand out more, just as Matisse emphasised the importance of colour relationships in his own work.

Adding Layers

Gather Your Supplies:

• Scissors

• Tissue paper

• Shape cutters

• Glue sticks

• Foil

• Colourful paper

• Any other collage/craft bits you have

Collage Layers

As our exploration continues, the children take their screen-printed papers to the next level, adding collage. They cut out additional shapes and layer them on their prints, creating unique pieces inspired by Matisse's art mixed with the collaborative energy of the Art Club studio!