Henri Matisse was a French artist born in December 1869 in Le Cateau.  He moved to Paris in 1891 in order to study art, after convalescence from a hospital operation.  Over the years he was recognized as a famous artist, sculptor and graphic designer.  He became a leader of the “Fauves” group of artists, the group being recognized for the intense colours and lavish brushstrokes.

Matisse believed that intensity of colours in his painting were both a meaning of expression and communication.  In 1905 the “Fauve” group held an exhibit of their works and stunned the Paris art scene with their bold and bright artistry. Matisse was said to be highly influenced by the French impressionists and the works of Paul Cezanne.

Matisse was the son of a Picardy Grain Merchant, an area in Northern France.  He initially became a law student and pursued a legal career in a law office.  It was only after his illness,  at age 21, did he discover his true passion for art and sculpture and subsequently his life long devotion.

It was from 1905 to 1906 that Matisse was responsible for one of his very best paintings entitled the joy of life.  It was regarded as one of the most important pieces of art produced in the twentieth century.  The piece was collected by Dr. Albert C Barnes and was displayed to the public for 72 years before being moved to Philadelphia in the USA. After World War 1 Matisse became a recipient of the French Legion of Honour.  In 1917 he moved from Paris to Nice on the Cote de Azur where re remained until he died.

In 1941 Matisse had to undergo abdominal surgery for Cancer.  This had a devastating impact on his life as he was unable to stand upright at an easel.  He then moved on to another form of artistic expression involving the use of vivid coloured cut outs using the same style adopted in his paintings.  This enabled him to work comfortably from an arm chair or resting in bed. He died on November 3rd 1954 and the most lasting tribute was that from the artist Pablo Picasso ” All things considered there is only one Matisse” (Picasso).

The early art teachers of Matisse were said to be of a conservative background and academically trained. His early style was depicted as a conservative form of naturalism. Initially he made a number of copies after the old Masters. He continued to study contemporary art and particularly that of the impressionists.  His early experimentations into the use of vivid colours made him stand out from his class as something of a rebel.

Matisse emphasised the importance of intuition and instinct in his work.  He wanted people to feel alive and relate to the bold and vibrant colours of his work.  ” He argued that an artist did not have complete control over color and form; instead, colors, shapes, and lines would come to dictate to the sensitive artist how they might be employed in relation to one another.” Matisse became an inspirational figure to others and was greatly admired by his fellow artists.