Matisse Inspired Gel Plate Print

In this lesson students learn about the artist Matisse and what he was inspired by. Students will create a 2 layer gel plate print incorporating texture and shapes similar to what Matisse would use in his own work. They will create these shapes through negative nd positive space stencils.

Lesson 1

Students learn about the Artist Matisse. Discuss his style, use of colour, shape and composition. What do students believe the shapes represent?

Students will create their own Matisse inspired print using Gel plates. Discuss with students the positives of using gel plates and what they can do, for example picking up textures. Students cut different shapes out of card that represent Matisse’s style. Students create both positive and negative space stencils using the card by cutting out a shape from the centre of the card and cutting in one line. Students create multiple stencils to use next lesson.

Lesson 2

Show students how to create a 2-layer print using the texture plates and cut out stencils. Students roll out one colour of paint and press the texture plate into the paint on the gel plate. Remove the texture plate and press the paper down on the gel plate to take the print. Clean the plate with another piece of paper and clean the roller.

Roll a contrasting colour of paint on to the gel plate. Arrange the positive shape stencils on the plate. Use the texture printed paper and line up the design to take the second print. Repeat the same process using the negative space stencils to create multiple artworks.

Reflection:

Students reflect on how their work relates to Matisse, how positive and negative space has been used as well as analysing their compositional choices.

Extension:

Higher level students can create prints with more than 2-layers. Students can experiment with the use of different colours in the one print and how multiple layers effect the composition.

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