Students learn about Escher and seem fascinated with his work. Students who lack confidence in art automatically find things in their evolved shapes. Options range from adding a few details to adding many details, as well as using their work upside down. Students learn color theory and use it to distinguish their objects. Students work together, helping each other to see.
Students practice accuracy.
They are engaged. The complexity extends attention spans and, YES, some students find the project a bit long-winded. The color mixing and varying further engages those students who like to paint and who love color. 1 love the discovery of looking for that hidden entity within a shape. Students help me to see.