The Fauves ~ The Wild Beasts

What does THIS:

Have to do with THIS?

Watch these two videos about Les Fauves to find out!

Fauvism Notes

• Fauvism was a style of painting developed in France at the beginning of the 20th century by Henri Matisse and André Derain.

• The artists who painted in this style were known as 'Les Fauves'.

• The title 'Les Fauves' (the wild beasts) came from a sarcastic remark by the art critic Louis Vauxcelles.

• Les Fauves believed that colour should be used to express the artist's feelings about a subject, rather than simply to describe what it looks like.

Fauvist paintings have two main characteristics: simplified drawing and exaggerated colour.

Click here to read more about Les Fauves

Fifth and sixth grade artists painted true Wild Beasts in the style of the Fauve artists.  They used bold, non-realistic colors, strong brushstrokes and compelling composition.