Creativity and Movement Tutorial: Henri Rousseau Tigers in the Jungle

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Henri Rousseau was a self-taught French post-Impressionist painter known as Le Douanier (the customs officer). He began painting seriously in his 40s while working as a toll collector, creating famous lush jungle scenes entirely from his imagination and local Parisian greenhouses without ever leaving France. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

The Customs Officer Job

Called Le Douanier because he worked at a tax and toll station in Paris.
Retired at age 49 to focus on art full-time.
Painted during his off-hours while maintaining his day job. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Never Leaving France

Famous for vibrant, exotic jungle paintings featuring tigers and lions.
Claimed he saw tropical lands during military service, but he never left the country.
Drew inspiration from Paris botanical gardens, taxidermy, and illustrated books. [1, 2, 3, 5]

Championed by Picasso

Publicly mocked by traditional art critics who thought he painted like a child.
Discovered by Pablo Picasso, who bought one of his works.
Threw a famous, chaotic banquet in his honor hosted by avant-garde artists

 

Creativity and Movement Episode #24: Butterfly II True Deep Art Journali...

 

When I first started really exploring my creative side, I filmed videos of my favorite art journal pages - low stress art journal pages.  You can find over 40 videos: CLICK HERE

 

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Creativity and Movement Episode #23 Kids Art Project Swan 20 Minute Project

 

Swans are large, majestic water birds known for their long necks and graceful swimming. They can fly as fast as 60 miles per hour, mate for life, and have fluffy babies called cygnets that can swim just hours after they hatch! [1, 2, 3, 4]

Fun Swan Facts

Baby Names: Baby swans are called cygnets. They are born with grey or brown fluff instead of white feathers, and they sometimes even ride on their mother's back while she swims! [1]
Partners for Life: Swans pick one partner and stay together forever. When they are happy or greeting each other, they curve their long necks into the shape of a heart. [1, 2]
Super Big and Fast: Swans are some of the biggest flying birds on Earth. Their wings can stretch out up to 10 feet wide, and they can zoom through the air at speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
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