Introduction:

Art is not only what we see but how we dare to see. Henri Matisse, master of color and the creative leap, transformed Paris and the world with his bold vision, relentless experimentation, and refusal to be confined by convention. From law student to Fauvist pioneer, Matisse’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention, resilience, and joy. On this 4-hour journey, guided by storyteller Peter de Kuster, you’ll walk in Matisse’s Parisian footsteps, using the Hero’s Journey and 12 archetypes to reflect on your own creative leadership. Will you, like Matisse, become the author of your own legend—or blend into the background of someone else’s story?

Timeline & Journey Stages

Time	Stage & Archetype	Location & Matisse Connection	Reflection & Art/Story Moment
09:00	Ordinary World (Innocent, Everyman)	Place Dauphine (Matisse’s early Paris, student years)	“Where do you find comfort in routine? What is your ‘ordinary world’—and what beauty do you overlook?”
09:30	Call to Adventure (Explorer, Rebel)	Académie Julian / École des Beaux-Arts (Matisse’s training, breaking from tradition)	“What challenge or unconventional idea is calling you? Where do you feel the urge to rebel against norms?”
10:00	Meeting the Mentor (Sage, Creator)	Musée du Louvre (Matisse’s copies of Chardin, inspiration from old masters)	“Who or what shapes your vision? How does art—classic or radical—influence your leadership?”
10:40	Crossing the Threshold (Outlaw, Hero)	Salon d’Automne/Grand Palais (birth of Fauvism, “wild beast” breakthrough)	“What risks must you take to step into authenticity? What is your ‘wild color’ moment?”
11:10	Tests & Allies (Caregiver, Lover, Hero)	Montparnasse (Matisse’s studio, friendships with Derain, Marquet, Picasso)	“Who are your allies in moments of doubt? Where do you find resilience, and how do you offer it to others?”
11:40	Approach to the Inmost Cave (Shadow, Magician)	Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (late works, cut-outs, overcoming illness)	“What doubts or shadows do you face as a leader? How do you transform limitation into creative power?”
12:10	Ordeal & Revelation (Ruler, Creator)	Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence (represented through sketches/photos, Matisse’s spiritual masterpiece)	“What is your greatest leadership test? How do you create meaning and beauty from adversity?”
12:40	Return with the Elixir (Jester, Sage)	Café de Flore (reflection, integration, new story)	“What story will you now tell about your journey? How will you inspire others to see—and create—differently?”

Descriptions of the Art & Places

• Place Dauphine: Where Matisse experienced Paris as a young student, discovering both the city and his creative calling.
• Académie Julian / École des Beaux-Arts: Matisse’s formal training ground—where he mastered tradition before daring to break it.
• Musée du Louvre: Matisse copied Chardin and other masters here, learning by emulating before innovating. Pause at Chardin’s works and reflect on the value of learning from the past.
• Salon d’Automne/Grand Palais: Site of the 1905 Fauvist explosion, where Matisse’s “Woman with a Hat” shocked critics and liberated color in art.
• Montparnasse: Matisse’s studio and creative friendships—where collaboration, rivalry, and support fueled his evolution.
• Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris: Home to Matisse’s late works, including his cut-outs, created despite illness—proof that limitation can spark new creativity.
• Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence (represented): Matisse’s masterpiece of spiritual and artistic synthesis, designed in his final years—a symbol of legacy and transcendence.
• Café de Flore: Legendary artist haunt, perfect for reflection and sharing your own creative manifesto.

Conclusion:

Matisse’s Paris teaches us that leadership is not about playing it safe, but about the courage to experiment, the wisdom to learn from tradition, and the joy of creating beauty from adversity. As you finish this journey, ask yourself: Will you remain a spectator, or become the author of your own legend? Like Matisse, true leadership means seeing the world with fresh eyes—and daring to color outside the lines.

Takeaway Questions for Creative Leaders

• Where are you playing it safe, and what “wild color” could you add to your leadership?
• Who are your mentors and allies—and how do they shape your courage to create differently?
• What is your “Salon d’Automne”—the moment you must risk criticism to be authentic?
• How do you transform obstacles or setbacks into creative breakthroughs?
• What legacy or “elixir” will you bring back to your organization or community?

Practical Details

• Duration: 4 hours
• Price: €590 per person (includes guided walk, reflection workbook, and coffee at a historic Parisian café)
• Group Size: Max 10 leaders for deep dialogue
• Includes: Peter’s “Hero’s Journey & Archetypes” map, Matisse-inspired reflection prompts, and post-journey leadership insights

This is not a sightseeing tour—it’s an invitation to color your leadership with vision, courage, and joy, inspired by Matisse’s Paris and creative legacy.