Classroom Activity The Elements of Art: Shape Part of The Elements of Art Students will be introduced to one of the basic elements of art—shape—by analyzing the types of shapes used in various works of art to differentiate between geometric and natural shapes. They will then create their own cut paper collage based on a theme they select. Henri Matisse, Beasts of the Sea , 1950, gouache on paper, cut and pasted on white paper, mounted on canvas, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1973.18.1 Grade Level 1-2