Matisse had a talent for using colours that would make a rainbow blush. His use of bold, vibrant hues transformed everyday scenes into joyous celebrations. He was part of the Fauvism movement, which, despite its fierce name (it translates to "wild beasts"), was all about breaking the rules and letting colours run wild. Matisse’s approach was simple: why paint things as they are when you can paint them as they feel?

The sun-drenched landscapes of the French Riviera became a major source of inspiration for Matisse. He moved to Nice in 1917 and the Mediterranean light transformed his palette. His paintings from this period are bathed in sunlight, filled with the lazy luxury of seaside life. One might say he was living the dream – painting palm trees, the sea, and plenty of lounging ladies. If you can’t be on holiday, a Matisse painting is the next best thing.

Matisse's had an eye for patterns that would make your grandmother's wallpaper look dull. His works are a riot of shapes and designs, blending together in a harmony that shouldn’t work, but absolutely does. This love for patterns extended beyond his canvases – he was known to decorate his living space with an eclectic mix of textiles, turning his home into a living, breathing piece of art.

Later in life, Matisse faced significant health challenges, including being confined to a wheelchair. Did he let that stop him? Not a chance. Instead, he adapted his methods and created some of his most iconic works during this period. His cut-outs, which he referred to as “drawing with scissors,” were a triumph of creativity over adversity. A gentle reminder to us all that when life gives you lemons, you might just invent a new art form.

Matisse wasn’t just a painter; he was a true Renaissance man. He dabbled in sculpture, printmaking, and book illustration, always pushing the boundaries of what art could be. His versatility and willingness to experiment are part of what makes his work so enduring and beloved.

Henri Matisse left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and delight. His work is a testament to the power of colour, the joy of creativity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you’re an art lover or someone who just appreciates a good splash of colour, there’s something in Matisse’s work that speaks to the child in all of us.