AOTM // MATISSE

It's the end of the month and you know what that means... another AOTM! March's artist of the month is a rather famous one: Henri Matisse. You've heard of him, you know what he did, and you've definitely seen some of his work somewhere, sometime whether you realize it or not.

Matisse was and is mostly known for his use of vivid colors and naked ladies (funny but true) in paintings, but his art also ranges in drawings, sculpture, and more. Matisse was a French artist in the early to mid-1900's. Although his art wasn't immediately seen as classic French art, it grew to be loved and admired by many. In fact, Matisse was one of the main artists who began the artistic movement of Fauvism, which is basically an artistic style that uses a lot of vibrant color and has somewhat of an impressionism vibe.

When I went to New York earlier this month I was able to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I seriously recommend going to (the Met is freaking insane), and see his artwork in person. It was such a cool experience seeing it in real life - so much so that my heart actually started beating faster when I saw Matisse's Odalisque with Gray Trousers. 

Odalisque with Gray Trousers (right) and Nasturtiums with the Painting "Dance" (left)

To think that he had truly painted it, held it, worked on it and I was looking at it and could just reach and touch it (which I didn't... happy small accomplishment) was mind blowing to me. Above, you can see my terrible photos of his Odalisque painting along with a sliver of another one of his paintings called Nasturtiums with the Painting "Dance."

below are some of my favorite Matisse pieces

Nude Resting on One Arm

Les Toits de Collioure

The Goldfish Bowl

What really stands out to me about Matisse is the fact that he was a renowned painter for being messy and colorful. Messy art seems to move me the most because it's imperfect, flawed, and totally not what you would expect from a so-called "classic French artist." Matisse's art is fun and playful and I love that. It's a nice reminder that art doesn't always have to be so serious, existential, or dramatic.

Landscape, Nice

Girl by a Window

Matisse has been one of my many inspirations for a long time now and finally being able to see his work in person and appreciate it in a new light made that even more true. Who are some of your favorite "classic" artists? Van Gogh? Monet? Fragonard?

Thanks for reading another AOTM! It's always exciting to learn more about the art world and see how it changes and adds to my perspectives and inspirations more and more.

Until next time, deuces.