Why Process Matters More Than Perfection

As a high-school art teacher, Iʼve come to believe that helping students think like artists is just as important as assisting them to create beautiful work. That belief inspired one of my favorite assignments: the Master Study.

At first glance, it might appear to be a “copy the master” activity, but itʼs much more than that. This project guides students through the creative process—from research and ideation to experimentation and reflection—helping them develop both technical skills and confidence. Itʼs about learning from an artistʼs decisions, not just replicating their results.

The Assignment
Students start by selecting an artist they admire. This could be anyone, from Vincent van Gogh or Banksy to rising digital artists on TikTok and Instagram. Students research the artistʼs techniques and influences, documenting their findings with sketches and notes in their sketchbooks. These early pages spark curiosity and lay the foundation for their interpretations.

Before they work on the final piece, students experiment, trying out brushstrokes, colors, composition, and more. They begin asking deeper questions such as, “How does color influence the mood?” or “Why did the artist choose this texture?” They also experience setbacks and learn to revise, which is part of the process.

Eventually, they create a final work—a recreation or an original inspired by the artistʼs style—and reflect on their journey, responding to the following prompts:

What did you learn from studying this artist?
What techniques were the most challenging?
How can you apply these skills to your work?

Why Process Matters
The magic of creating art happens in the messy middle, and in the mistakes, learning, and risks made along the way, not simply in the finished product. This assignment reveals the creative process. It teaches students that professional artists donʼt start out having confidence; they build it through trying, failing, and adjusting.

By grading the research, experimentation, and reflection along with the final piece, Iʼm telling students that their journey matters. I want them to experience the frustration when things donʼt work and the pride that comes from figuring out how to fix it. Thatʼs where the learning happens. Thatʼs where student agency is born.

Student Agency and Risk-Taking
Too often in school, students wait for directions. But artists follow their curiosity, taking risks and learning from the results. Iʼve seen this assignment shift students from passive to active learners. They stop asking, “Is this good enough?” and start asking, “What happens if I try this?” That shift doesnʼt just make better artists; it makes better thinkers.

One student completed a master study inspired by Pancho Fierro (1809–1879), a renowned Peruvian painter celebrated for his watercolor scenes of everyday life, traditional clothing, and cultural celebrations. Through vibrant color and expressive detail, the student honored Fierro’s legacy while celebrating her own Peruvian heritage and the beauty of her culture.

Another student studied both Andy Warhol and Joshua David McKenney, the creator of Pidgin Doll. Warhol is known for bold Pop Art that turned celebrities and commercial products into colorful, repeated icons. McKenney creates handcrafted, expressive, fashion-forward dolls that blend art, identity, and character.

Inspired by both, my student created a vibrant, stylized portrait. In her reflection, she wrote: “I used bright colors, bold outlines, and dots like Warhol to give the portrait a fun Pop Art look. I was also inspired by Pidgin Dollʼs (McKenneyʼs) expressive faces and strong fashion style. Like both artists, I wanted the face to feel bold, playful, and full of personality.”

Teaching the Artistʼs Mind
What I love most about this project is how closely it mirrors the work of established artists. They study others, borrow ideas, experiment, and reflect. Itʼs the same creative cycle we want to develop in all learners, not just in art but in all subjects.

In a world of instant gratification, students often expect quick results, but meaningful work takes time. When we focus on process, we teach patience, resilience, and growth. We show students that great work is earned.

A Final Thought
The Master Study is more than an art assignment—itʼs a transformative mindset shift for my students and for me. Creativity isnʼt linear; itʼs layered, reflective, and deeply personal. And when we give students the space to explore that truth, weʼre not just teaching them how to make art; weʼre teaching them how to think.