Senior and “Most Artistic” superlative winner Elise Ribaudo has developed a signature style when it comes to her pieces: innovative techniques and expressive ideas are always incorporated into her work.

Ribaudo first found her love of art in elementary school when her teacher, Carolyn Kinloch-Winkler, went out of her way to provide after-school private lessons for select kids.

“She was my first real art teacher and I learned a lot from her,” Ribaudo said. “That was when I first discovered art was something I really wanted to do.”

As Ribaudo got older, she found ways to continue developing her artistic career at home.

“I work on [art] at home all the time,” Ribaudo said. “I have sketchbooks that are filled with sketches and stuff. Most of the painting I do in school, but at home I do a lot of sketching.”

Ribaudo has taken a variety of art classes, working her way up to the AP level. With seven art classes on her resume, it is apparent that she has worked hard to develop her skills and style.

“I think that [AP Studio Art] is a good opportunity to just do whatever I want,” Ribaudo said. “There’s no real assignments like there were in the other art classes, so I can really just have complete freedom.”

Ribaudo has been working on a variety of pieces in AP Art that showcase her versatility, creativity, and the distinct style that she has developed.

“I think I have a strong personal style in my artwork and you can always tell that it’s mine; it’s pretty realistic but still unique to me,” Ribaudo said. “I paint a lot of people because that’s my favorite and probably what I’ve practiced most.”

Art teacher George Hancin has seen Ribaudo grow as an artist throughout her time at Algonquin.

“Elise was always a very talented artist, but her style has matured,” Hancin said. “I’ve seen her develop her skills and become more original with her ideas.”

Earning the title “Most Artistic” was especially meaningful to Ribaudo, as it gave her the affirmation she needed to continue her expressive work.

“It’s reassuring to know that my peers think I’m good at art, because sometimes I doubt myself,” Ribaudo said.

Ribaudo has been accepted to numerous art schools and plans to continue her art career wherever she may go.

“I want to go school for art and environmental sustainability, and find a way to merge those together to impact the environment with my art,” Ribaudo said.