Painting is not only a beautiful form of expression, but can be a powerful educational tool as well. Second graders at Yeshivat He’Atid experienced this in their studies about French artist Henri Matisse. The students researched Matisse to write a biographical essay on his life and style of art. They learned about the writing process as they drafted, edited and revised their work. Upon completion of writing each student had the opportunity to create his or her own Chanukah themed work of art in the style of Henri Matisse.