We see artwork on our smart devices, computers, books, and in calendars…but what are the actual sizes of those famous masterpieces (in real life)? With this lesson, my students explored this question and re-created six famous masterpieces with unusual materials…in their original sizes.
I challenged my students to reimagine our favorite famous artworks using the collaboration posters from my Measuring Masterpieces resource, with unexpected, tactile materials—a mixed-media art project.
From yarn to resin, from wood to canvas, every project became a celebration of artistic ingenuity and hands-on learning. The final artworks were so popular that parents offered to buy them while on display at our annual art expo. They are priceless to me, so I didn’t sell them. Instead, they’ll be on display in the school office when school starts back this fall—after that, they’ll adorn the art room walls for constant inspiration and a reminder to stretch our creativity.
This project has extra credit! Check it out!
To prepare for this mixed-media art project, I printed all the posters from my Measuring Masterpieces resource. I then divided the students from two classes into six groups—three groups per class—so each group could focus on one of the final artworks. Before adding the mixed-media elements, my students carefully cut out the poster pieces and assembled the collaboration posters. The Vermeer group colored theirs before they began; everyone else just used the poster as their guide to work on.
We then used bottled glue to mount the posters onto sturdy cardboard, repurposed from old science fair projects, applying the glue with brushes for an even finish.
I completed this project with my 6th-grade students, but the ideal grade level may vary depending on the materials you choose. Group and class size also play a role in how smoothly the project runs—larger groups can be challenging since there may not be enough materials for everyone to participate fully. As an educator, you know your students best and can easily adapt the project to fit their unique needs!
Student Gallery Showcase at the Art Expo
To give these incredible mixed-media artworks the attention they deserved, we turned them into a full-on gallery experience at our end-of-year Art Expo! A HUGE thank you to the custodial staff at my school—they truly made my gallery idea possible!
Each of the six student-created masterpieces was proudly displayed in a dedicated “Masterpiece Recreation” section of the art show.
To make the experience even more special—and fun—I assigned roles to bring the gallery to life. Two students took their jobs very seriously as “security guards,” complete with ear pieces and uniforms, helping maintain the “no touching the art” policy. Another student greeted guests at the gallery entrance, welcoming families and classmates with a genuine warmth, much like a true museum host. Their pride and professionalism added such a special touch to the event!
Parents were amazed by the creativity and presentation, and students beamed as they explained the materials and concepts behind each piece. It was a perfect way to celebrate the intersection of math, art, and imagination—and to end the school year on a high (and very creative) note!
The final mixed-media artworks were too beautiful to just display—we had to showcase them in a special way. So, I visited two local thrift stores and found six frames that matched the sizes we needed. I spray-painted three of them gold (the others were already perfect as-is). That extra touch of framing made the finished pieces feel even more special and gallery-worthy. The lead custodian at my school went above and beyond and purchased spotlights to illuminate each piece. It was a true team effort!
You can use my Measuring Masterpieces resource as is, having your students recreate famous artwork using traditional materials like crayons, colored pencils, markers, or even paint. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with some of the materials we used.
Let’s explore all six of our mixed-media art projects.
To honor Frida Kahlo’s iconic self-portrait, The Frame, and her deeply personal storytelling, students recreated the artwork on canvas board using acrylic paints. Since my Measuring Masterpieces resource emphasizes working at the actual size of famous artworks, this project involved only two sheets of paper. Frida’s artwork has a larger-than-life presence, despite its surprisingly small size.
Students quickly assembled the two pieces of paper and then used tracing paper to transfer the image onto their canvas boards. Once transferred, they painted each section with vibrant acrylics. I showed them an example of when I painted Frida’s artwork as a mural on my home (to help with color choices). During a subsequent class, they added glitter to select areas, enhancing the artwork’s texture and sparkle. To add the glitter, I had them “paint” glue onto each section and then sprinkle it with glitter.
To elevate the final pieces, I poured clear resin over the surface, creating a glossy, glass-like finish—an especially meaningful touch, since Frida’s original The Frame was painted on glass. This technique made the colors and glitter truly pop, giving each portrait a polished, gallery-ready look—just as Frida Kahlo’s masterpiece deserves.
*Resin is toxic, and I do not recommend that you let students use it. I poured the resin over spring break with the doors open for ventilation and plenty of time to dry before students returned.
Did you know that Frida’s iconic artwork The Frame was the first piece by Frida Kahlo purchased by The Louvre? Interestingly, only the self-portrait portion was painted by Frida herself—the flowers and birds were created by a folk artist, and Frida added her self-portrait to complete the work.
Staying with canvas and acrylics like we did with the Frida artwork, students explored surrealism through melting clocks and dreamlike imagery inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory.
This is also a very small artwork in real life. It was the actual inspiration for my entire Measuring Masterpieces resource, where I teach students to create the famous artwork in their real sizes. For this artwork, the process was the same. Students transferred the artwork onto canvas board, painted with acrylic paint, added glitter, and then resin was used to seal and intensify the final artwork, but in this case, it also emphasized the otherworldly quality of the work. The shine and texture added an ethereal dimension that perfectly suited Dalí’s imaginative style.
Mondrian’s clean lines and bold blocks of color made him the perfect candidate for a materials remix. We used thin sheets of balsa wood, which students arranged into the geometric grids from my Mondrian poster template. They then painted the shapes in primary colors, creating a dimensional effect that echoed the structure and balance of Mondrian’s compositions. The final work felt modern, sleek, and a bit architectural. This project certainly took on a life of its own once we framed it.
Thiebaud’s sweet, stylized treats inspired us to trade paintbrushes for yarn! After assembling the pages from Thiebaud’s iconic cupcakes, students “colored” them—using vibrant strands of yarn glued directly onto the paper. The yarn added a playful, textured element that echoed the thick, rich quality of Thiebaud’s brushstrokes—and made us all crave cupcakes!
This was the first of two recreations we did using yarn, and it’s definitely the more challenging of the six projects. I recommend this media (using yarn) for students who enjoy a challenge. Both of my groups rose to the occasion, and while it required patience, the results were well worth the effort!
To capture the bold, repetitive nature of Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, students once again swapped paint for yarn—resulting in Pop Art with a twist.
This group impressed me more than almost any I’ve worked with. After completing a few sections they weren’t happy with, they chose to remove and redo them entirely. Their dedication and attention to detail were incredible to watch. The way the top of the can turned out completely blew me away—and it wowed just about everyone who saw it.
Andy Warhol created 32 soup can paintings in his iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans series, each representing a different variety of Campbell’s soup available in 1962. The full set was first exhibited at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles and now resides at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
We recreated one of them—only 31 to go… just kidding!
For our interpretation of Girl with a Pearl Earring, we focused on texture, contrast, and creative reuse. Students used buttons and bottle tops to recreate Vermeer’s iconic portrait. By carefully selecting pieces based on color and size, they arranged the materials to mimic the delicate curves of the girl’s face, headscarf, and—of course—that famous pearl earring. This unexpected choice of materials added a playful, tactile twist to a traditionally soft and subtle painting, while also giving us a meaningful opportunity to explore creative recycling in art.
Now let’s talk about that pearl earring. I’ll admit—I assumed the group would just grab a white button and call it a day. But no… they went above and beyond. They took a bottle top and added small, iridescent, pearl-like beads to it. I mean—of course they did. They’re brilliant!
What started as a math-focused art integration project grew into a mixed-media art adventure! By exploring unusual materials, my students deepened their understanding of both measurement concepts and artistic expression. They learned how texture, material, and technique can transform a simple idea into something extraordinary.
These projects weren’t just fun (though they definitely were!)—they sparked imagination, required patience and perseverance, and filled our classroom with colorful, creative energy. I’m so proud of their work and thrilled to see how they’ve “measured up” as true young artists that they are!
If you decide to do any of these posters with mixed media, please be sure to tag me on social @artwithjennyk so I can celebrate with you!
In a world growing full of AI, I’ll leave you with a photo of me and my family (we are real) in the gallery with our Frida recreation. One day, we’ll stand in front of the real Frida Kahlo artwork. Until that day, I’ll keep having fun with my students!
Thanks for reading,
Jenny K.
Bring math and art together with this creative, hands-on activity!
As I originally designed this lesson, my Measuring Masterpieces is an engaging art integration project that helps students practice area, perimeter, and measurement skills while recreating famous works of art and exploring the “real” size of the six iconic artworks included.
It is ideal for upper elementary or middle school students.
My resource includes…
All of this makes it easy to adapt for different grade levels and group sizes. A fun way to reinforce math concepts through collaboration and creativity!
Even if you love the mixed-media lesson I did, but you aren’t quite ready (no shame there), you’ll still love the easier version of this project, just as I designed it originally. If you are ready to take it a step further or want something truly unique, you’ll need (want?) my posters to make it easier for you and your students.
…and it’s awesome that you are willing to support me, a fellow educator, and my efforts and ideas! Thank you!
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