Godward's blossoms...
 

Every year in the spring I do this collaborative piece with all my Art 1 students. This year's image is John William Godward's (1861 - 1922) "Under the Blossom that Hangs on the Bough."

Every year it's the same: I take a poster of the artwork, cut it into (in this case) 156 pieces, laminate them, shuffle them like a deck of cards and pass them out to all of my Art 1 students - five period's worth. None of the students are shown the original poster, nor are they told what the final image will be. The task of each student is to reproduce - as accurately as possible - their particular image on a piece of paper nine times larger, using colored pencils. Only when the individual pieces are completed is the final result visible.

Compared to previous years, I think this is the best one yet. I pushed them harder than I ever have. And instead of the usual two and a half weeks for this project, this one took four. I also have quite a few very gifted students this year.

I just found out we won a top prize at a local art show for this piece. The kids deserve it. They are very proud of what they have accomplished.

And so you can get a sense of the scale of this thing:

Well, they've done a superb job again! And kudos to their art teacher not only for the project but for the guidance that allowed them to learn how to see and reproduce their sections.

David,

The kids did a great job. It looks like such a fun project.

David,

It's fabulous! What a creative and fun teaching technique! See you soon-

David,
this must be a great inspiration for the students, seeing what can be done by judging value and color !

David--

You were right....this is the most accurate and sucessful one yet. The consistency from square to square is remarkable, and the overall effect superb.

Man, you are one great teacher! Wish I'd studied art with you when I was that age.

I agree with Tom. Your students are very fortunate.