Colour and Shape Exploration

Overview

This 60-minute creative session is designed for two Year 2 pupils to explore the work of Henri Matisse, focusing on his famous cut-outs and the use of complementary colours. The lesson encourages hands-on experimentation with paper cutting, colour theory, and composition, aligning with the UK National Curriculum for Art and Design at Key Stage 1.

---

Curriculum Links

National Curriculum for England – Art and Design (Key Stage 1):

• Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
• Use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination.
• Develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space.
• Learn about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own work.

Early Learning Goals – Understanding the World / Expressive Arts and Design:

• Children safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.
• Children know about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects, materials and living things.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

• Identify complementary colours and understand their relationship on the colour wheel.
• Develop fine motor skills by cutting and arranging papers to create an artwork inspired by Henri Matisse’s cut-outs.
• Express ideas visually through colour choices and shapes.
• Reflect on their own and each other’s work, describing the use of colour and shape.

---

Resources

• Colour wheel poster (simplified version suitable for KS1)
• Sheets of coloured paper in primary and secondary colours
• Safety scissors
• Glue sticks
• Plain white A3 card for mounting
• Examples and prints of Matisse’s cut-outs (e.g. "The Snail," "Blue Nude," paper cut outs)
• Colour stickers or coloured pencils for annotating
• Visual vocabulary cards (e.g. complementary, contrast, shape, cut-out)

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Hook: Show a large print of Matisse's cut-outs and ask students what they notice about the shapes and colours. Engage pupils in a brief discussion about how these works are made without paintbrushes but by cutting and sticking shapes.
• Introduce the concept of complementary colours. Use the colour wheel poster to point out pairs: red/green, blue/orange, yellow/purple. Explain how these colours make each other look brighter when placed side by side.
• Link back to Matisse’s work by highlighting examples of complementary colour use.

2. Demonstration and Discussion (10 minutes)

• Demonstrate how to safely cut shapes from coloured paper and arrange them on white card before gluing.
• Model how to pair complementary colours for vibrant effect. Discuss the idea of 'balance' and 'composition' in their artwork.
• Encourage pupils to think about shapes: organic (curvy) like Matisse vs geometric (straight edges) - mostly focus on organic shapes here.

3. Practical Activity (30 minutes)

• Pupils select coloured paper, identify complementary colour pairs, and cut out a variety of shapes representing natural or abstract forms.
• They arrange their cut-outs on white card, experimenting with the placement of complementary colours to make the artwork lively and balanced.
• Once satisfied, pupils glue their shapes down carefully.
• Teacher circulates, asks prompting questions: "What colours did you choose? Why do these colours work well together?" "How do your shapes make you feel?"

4. Reflection and Sharing (10 minutes)

• Pupils present their finished pieces to each other, explaining their colour choices and shape designs.
• Using visual vocabulary cards, label aspects of their work (e.g. “complementary colours,” “shape,” “cut-out”).
• Encourage positive peer feedback focusing on colour use and creativity.
• Summarise the lesson by revisiting Matisse’s cut-outs, emphasising how pupils have used his ideas to create art with colour and shape.

---

Assessment

• Formative: Observe pupils during practical activity for understanding of cutting, composition skills, and use of complementary colours. Use questioning to assess conceptual grasp.
• Summative: Evaluate finished artwork for evidence of complementary colour pairing and shape creation informed by Matisse’s style. Pupils’ verbal explanations during reflection will indicate understanding.

---

Differentiation and Support

• Provide pre-cut shapes for pupils who struggle with scissors but encourage them to select colours and arrange composition.
• Use larger shapes and simpler colour pairings for pupils needing more support.
• Challenge more confident pupils to create layered compositions or include at least three pairs of complementary colours.

---

Cross-curricular Links

• Maths: Counting shapes, recognising patterns, and symmetry in arrangement.
• English: Developing vocabulary related to art (cut-out, complementary, contrast).
• PSHE: Encouraging confidence in sharing work and peer appreciation.

---

Extension Ideas

• Use the cut-outs to create a simple story or scene, linking art with narrative.
• Explore creating digital cut-out-like compositions using tablet apps for cut and paste.
• Introduce texture by combining paper with fabric or foil cut-outs.

---

This lesson plan offers an immersive, hands-on approach to introducing young learners to colour theory and an iconic artist’s technique, fostering both artistic creativity and critical thinking in line with UK education standards.