Best Collaborative Art Project for High School: Complete Lesson

Group Project: Drawing copy of John Singer Sargent Painting, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose (Tate Britain)

​Over the past few years, I have developed a fun group drawing project with my senior high school art students, that has yielded consistently remarkable outcomes. Now, I'm thrilled to extend the invitation to you, as I firmly believe this project holds significant potential for adaptation across middle and high school settings alike. Centered on teamwork and meticulous attention to detail, this lesson not only showcases the creativity of each individual but also fosters a sense of collective achievement as the entire class collaborates harmoniously. With an average completion time of 20 – 30 hours, this project is tailor-made for art teachers seeking to ignite passion and creativity in their students' artistic pursuits.

Art Supplies You Will Need

• A high-quality color copy of a famous artwork for recreation.
• Fabriano toned clay 85lbs pastel paper.
• General’s Multi Pastel Chalk Pencil Classroom Pack for pastel chalk pencils.
• Sargent Art Artist Pastels for regular chalk pastels.
• Erasers, graphite pencils, scissors, or a chopping board.
• One Ultra Fine tip black marker.
• Gray mat board.
• Spray glue.
• Workable spray fixative.

Art Lesson Overview

Each year, I select a famous artwork for students to study and recreate. I choose highly renowned pieces that hold cultural significance. Students are assigned small sections of the painting to duplicate on larger sheets of pastel paper using pastel pencils. They work collaboratively to match edges and colors. Finally, their larger pieces are glued together to form the complete image, which is then framed.

Drawing copy of Jean Baptiste Chardin Painting, "Still Life With Attributes of the Arts", 1766

​The Color Copy: After selecting the artwork, a grid is drawn on a color copy using an Ultra Fine tip marker. The grid consists of squares, not rectangles, typically ranging from 1” to 2” in size. Grid coordinates are assigned to each section, which is then cut up and labeled on the back.

Color copy with grid and cut up tiles.

​The Frame and Mat Board: Before starting the project, a large frame with glass is purchased from a thrift store, along with a gray mat board from an arts store. The mat board is cut to fit the frame.

The Frame and Mat Board: Before starting the project, a large frame with glass is purchased from a thrift store, along with a gray mat board from an arts store. The mat board is cut to fit the frame.

The Paper Tiles: The color copy is gridded, and the Fabriano paper is cut into squares corresponding to the grid sections. The size of the squares is determined by measuring the available space in the frame.

Getting the Students Started (Phase One): The color copy is cut into grid sections and distributed to students. The more challenging sections are given to capable students, while easier ones are assigned to those who may struggle with art. Each student receives a piece of gray Fabriano paper with their name and grid coordinates on the back. They begin by lightly outlining the main shapes onto their paper, ensuring alignment when assembled. As they finish up this portion, we put the entire drawing together to make sure it all fits correctly. 

Adding Color (Phase Two): Once the outlines are complete and aligned, students begin adding color using pastel chalk pencils and regular pastel blocks. Scrap paper is provided for color practice, and students are encouraged to sit near others working on adjoining areas to help match colors.

Checking Progress: Before each class, the entire piece is reassembled to check progress and build excitement.

Finishing Up (Phase Three): Once all tiles are complete, spray glue is used to affix them to the pre-cut mat board. A scrap paper is laid over the tiles to press them down. Any gaps or imperfections are touched up, and the entire piece is sprayed with a workable fixative. The completed artwork is then framed, taped, and wired for display.

Adaptation for younger students: To adapt this lesson plan for younger students, you can use an easier image, such as a Warhol portrait.  You can also adjust the media to entail crayons, markers, or regular-colored pencils.  Finally, you can cut larger tiles and have students work in small groups.  

Drawing copy of "Napoleon Crossing the Alps" by Jacques Louis David. 1801

Some Notes:

• I have found that working with pastel pencils works best because it offers the control of a pencil along with the beauty of chalk pastel.  I have done this same project with acrylic paint and found it to be far too challenging for many students. 
• Don’t worry if your frame is not quite the right size for your assembled pieces.  If there is room left at the bottom, you can attach a paper placard with the artwork’s details. 
• Some students will finish quickly.  Be sure to have an additional assignment ready to go for them.  I usually have some photos of sunsets and ask them to make a pastel drawing of a sunset on the same good pastel paper. 
• Be sure to do the gluing and framing yourself and have plenty of ventilation when you do so.  It is a bit tricky and you really only get one shot at it. 
• As for grading, I usually just grade my students on participation and effort for this project.  

A Drawing copy of "Breezing Up" by Winslow Homer. 1873-1876

A drawing copy of "Bathers at Asnières" 1884 by Georges Seurat.

A drawing copy of "The Milkmaid" 1657-58, by Vermeer

 ​I hope that you will find value in implementing this collaborative art lesson plan. Through my experience, I've witnessed firsthand the profound sense of pride and accomplishment it instills in students. As a testament to their dedication and creativity, I proudly display their collective artwork throughout our school, serving as a cherished gift from our class to the entire school community. And as the years pass, these vibrant masterpieces will endure, welcoming returning alumni with a nostalgic reminder of their enduring legacy within our school's halls.

Want another great art lesson? Here is one of my favorites: A Still Life Painting Lesson for High School Students.  

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