Why did Matisse begin doing art?

Henri Matisse began pursuing art primarily as a form of personal expression and a way to cope with a difficult period in his life. Initially studying law, he turned to painting during a convalescence from appendicitis, discovering a passion for color and form that would define his career. Matisse sought to convey emotion and beauty through his work, ultimately becoming a leading figure in the Fauvism movement, which emphasized bold colors and simplified forms. His journey into art was both a personal revelation and a response to the changing artistic landscape of his time.