Coffee with Matisse

If I could have coffee, or a glass of wine, with anyone it would be Henri Matisse.

Why?

Because I have the longest list of questions I would ask him. I would tell him how much he has influenced me as an artist. I love the simplicity of his work, they are just shapes put together in such a way that they make beautiful music together. From his still lifes, to his portraits, to his landscapes, he successfully arranges things with a collection of lines, simple shapes and patterns.

His drive and dedication to continue creating late in his life when he was ill and bedridden is remarkable. The last series of his life, the cut-outs, is probably his most famous work. He called this series “Drawing with scissors.” He painted lots of papers with bright colors, cut shapes out of them and then had assistants pin the shapes to the walls where he could study them and decide how he wanted to rearrange them.

Now is that dedication or what? Even though he had to totally stay in bed he was STILL creating something. And not just something — his most well-known work!

What age did he start this? In his late 60s…ummm, I’m in my late 60s. He died at 84 years old so he continued creating this innovative new form of art for 20 more years. Impressive! 

Some of the questions I would ask him if I could would be:

• Why did he use flat colors and patterns in his work?
• How did he approach interiors?
• Where did he find his inspiration?
• How did he become such close friends with Picasso?
• Did he have any favorite colors?

Now…who would you like to sit down and coffee or wine with?

Dying to know…..

Love,

Adele

 

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