Inspiration
Can I use art as inspiration to create something new?
At the beginning of the year, the students chose an historical or contemporary artwork or image that inspired them. Some students were inspired by a famous artwork and some found passion in images such as sport logos. The students then worked with this image in their sketchbooks. The final project was a culmination of much critical and creative thinking. They examined the image and used it as a starting point in order to create something unique and exciting. I am very proud of all the hard work that they put into this project!
At the beginning of the year, the students chose an historical or contemporary artwork or image that inspired them. Some students were inspired by a famous artwork and some found passion in images such as sport logos. The students then worked with this image in their sketchbooks. The final project was a culmination of much critical and creative thinking. They examined the image and used it as a starting point in order to create something unique and exciting. I am very proud of all the hard work that they put into this project!
Jillian Abramsky and Ben Levitt
A Sad Pop
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Referencing “the cover for Newsweek’s 1966 Pop Art Issue” by Roy Lichtenstein
We feel we get a Pop with the contrast of colours (blue, red, yellow) and the dots and bubble letters. The big POP in bubble letters feels fresh and exciting like our transition from RHA to chat after graduation! We put in our own flare and creativity with the colours not all being the same as Lichtenstein’s (some reds are darker and some lighter). We stuck to the jist of the painting but we also added our own version of the pockadots with the background being blue and white dots.
A Sad Pop
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Referencing “the cover for Newsweek’s 1966 Pop Art Issue” by Roy Lichtenstein
We feel we get a Pop with the contrast of colours (blue, red, yellow) and the dots and bubble letters. The big POP in bubble letters feels fresh and exciting like our transition from RHA to chat after graduation! We put in our own flare and creativity with the colours not all being the same as Lichtenstein’s (some reds are darker and some lighter). We stuck to the jist of the painting but we also added our own version of the pockadots with the background being blue and white dots.
Adam Allen
Easton
Pencil on board
Referencing an Easton hockey stick
It connects me to my life because hockey is a big part of my life.
Easton
Pencil on board
Referencing an Easton hockey stick
It connects me to my life because hockey is a big part of my life.
Ethan Azouri
Soup
Pencil on board
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
I love Campbell’s Soup and Andy Warhol inspired me by his amazing prints.
Soup
Pencil on board
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
I love Campbell’s Soup and Andy Warhol inspired me by his amazing prints.
Noah Caplan
No. 13
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Referencing “untitled” by Jackson Pollock
My work is an inspiration – notice the colour. Don’t they pop? When I was making this, my intention was to make people happy when they saw my work. My work is the same as Jackson Pollock’s because I actually tried to copy the placement of the paint in the original, but it is still different because you can’t make an exact copy.
No. 13
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Referencing “untitled” by Jackson Pollock
My work is an inspiration – notice the colour. Don’t they pop? When I was making this, my intention was to make people happy when they saw my work. My work is the same as Jackson Pollock’s because I actually tried to copy the placement of the paint in the original, but it is still different because you can’t make an exact copy.
Seth Damiani
Lego
Lego, plastic sheets and tape
Referencing Jardin by Joan Miro
My artwork makes me feel good and I would like the view to notice the “3Dness”. Miro’s artwork is 2D and I have made it 3D.
Lego
Lego, plastic sheets and tape
Referencing Jardin by Joan Miro
My artwork makes me feel good and I would like the view to notice the “3Dness”. Miro’s artwork is 2D and I have made it 3D.
Leah Good and Gabriella Ripstein
Beyond the Horizons
Paint, board, wire, and plastecine
Referencing “Starry Night” by Van Gogh
Starry Night is essentially a painting of a starry night. We were inspired by VanGogh’s simplicity and creativity in this painting, so we created our own rendition of a starry night. In this version, you can see the different planets and rings in the deep night sky. The simplicity and beauty of the sculpture represents the simplicities and beauties of life and of our planet.
Beyond the Horizons
Paint, board, wire, and plastecine
Referencing “Starry Night” by Van Gogh
Starry Night is essentially a painting of a starry night. We were inspired by VanGogh’s simplicity and creativity in this painting, so we created our own rendition of a starry night. In this version, you can see the different planets and rings in the deep night sky. The simplicity and beauty of the sculpture represents the simplicities and beauties of life and of our planet.
David Ifergan and Samantha Palter
Matilda
Paint and mixed media on board
Referencing “Tweet” by Vik Muniz
In this work we were replicating what Vik Muniz did, only in a much smaller scale and with obviously different materials.
Matilda
Paint and mixed media on board
Referencing “Tweet” by Vik Muniz
In this work we were replicating what Vik Muniz did, only in a much smaller scale and with obviously different materials.
Nathaniel Katz
NK Inspired by Pollock
Diptych acrylic paint on canvas
Referencing “ No. 14” by Jackson Pollock
This is a wonderful piece of art is based on the inspirational artwork by Pollock. The sharp lines and dark colours show how meaningful Pollock was. In one of the paintings you can see my initials in blue in the foreground, the background colours are the same as the ones that Pollock used. The difference between our work is the size. Pollock always displayed his artwork on large canvases and these are small.
NK Inspired by Pollock
Diptych acrylic paint on canvas
Referencing “ No. 14” by Jackson Pollock
This is a wonderful piece of art is based on the inspirational artwork by Pollock. The sharp lines and dark colours show how meaningful Pollock was. In one of the paintings you can see my initials in blue in the foreground, the background colours are the same as the ones that Pollock used. The difference between our work is the size. Pollock always displayed his artwork on large canvases and these are small.
Lily Librach
Untitled
Acrylic paint on board
Referencing “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo DaVinci
In this piece I am showing two emotions of a lady named Mona Lisa. I am showing the happy and the sadness of this woman. It makes me feel like there is really good and bad in the world, and it’s all about how you put it. I want people to think about positivity when they look at this, instead of negativity. My painting is quite similar to the original, except (in my opinion) this looks more truthful. In the real Mona Lisa it looks like she is hiding something -and mine is more realistic.
Untitled
Acrylic paint on board
Referencing “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo DaVinci
In this piece I am showing two emotions of a lady named Mona Lisa. I am showing the happy and the sadness of this woman. It makes me feel like there is really good and bad in the world, and it’s all about how you put it. I want people to think about positivity when they look at this, instead of negativity. My painting is quite similar to the original, except (in my opinion) this looks more truthful. In the real Mona Lisa it looks like she is hiding something -and mine is more realistic.
Jack Lipton
Clocks
Clay and glue on board
Referencing “The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dali
My artwork is just the clock part from the Dali painting which I changed a little. It makes me think about time and how precious it is. My work is similar because it uses the melting clock idea, but it just focuses on that, compared to the Dali painting which has other elements.
Clocks
Clay and glue on board
Referencing “The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dali
My artwork is just the clock part from the Dali painting which I changed a little. It makes me think about time and how precious it is. My work is similar because it uses the melting clock idea, but it just focuses on that, compared to the Dali painting which has other elements.
Daniel Neumark
Chargers
Digital print
Referencing the Charger’s Logo – artist unknown
This is the Charger’s Logo, which is my favorite team. I love watching them play. My logo is similar to the original, but I changed it a bit to make it look cooler.
Chargers
Digital print
Referencing the Charger’s Logo – artist unknown
This is the Charger’s Logo, which is my favorite team. I love watching them play. My logo is similar to the original, but I changed it a bit to make it look cooler.
Molly Pascoe
Dancing in the Dance Studio
Acrylic paint on saran wrap with picture on board
Referencing “The Dance Studio” by Edgar Degas
My artwork is a picture of a ballerina en pointe with a ballerina painted on her leg. I want people to notice that the painted dancer is the one from the Degas painting.
Dancing in the Dance Studio
Acrylic paint on saran wrap with picture on board
Referencing “The Dance Studio” by Edgar Degas
My artwork is a picture of a ballerina en pointe with a ballerina painted on her leg. I want people to notice that the painted dancer is the one from the Degas painting.
Ryan Schwartz
Schwartz
Paint on board
Referencing “untitled” by Jackson Pollock
I put a bunch of colours on a canvas to see what would happen and it looks like Schwartz. I hope when I’m dead it will sell for millions.
Schwartz
Paint on board
Referencing “untitled” by Jackson Pollock
I put a bunch of colours on a canvas to see what would happen and it looks like Schwartz. I hope when I’m dead it will sell for millions.
Marshall Silverstein
Untitled
Pencil on board
Referencing “Composition VIII” by Wasily Kandinsky
Untitled
Pencil on board
Referencing “Composition VIII” by Wasily Kandinsky
Ben Starkman
Autumn Blank
Acrylic paint on board
Referencing “Autumn Rhythm” by Jackson Pollock
I really let go and I didn’t focus on lines - I just let the paint fly. This painting shows the time in fall when you realize summer is over and it makes you sad. I used the same colours as the ones that Jackson Pollock used in his artwork.
Autumn Blank
Acrylic paint on board
Referencing “Autumn Rhythm” by Jackson Pollock
I really let go and I didn’t focus on lines - I just let the paint fly. This painting shows the time in fall when you realize summer is over and it makes you sad. I used the same colours as the ones that Jackson Pollock used in his artwork.
Jack Teplistsky
Astral
Paint, cardboard, metal, Styrofoam and glue
Referencing “Femme assise et enfant: by Joan Miro
My process was to search the art room for different materials to use in order to make my sculpture. I imagine that this may have been the same process as what Miro used, although he probably did a drawing first.
Astral
Paint, cardboard, metal, Styrofoam and glue
Referencing “Femme assise et enfant: by Joan Miro
My process was to search the art room for different materials to use in order to make my sculpture. I imagine that this may have been the same process as what Miro used, although he probably did a drawing first.
David Toister
The Mona Maka
Drawing on board
Referencing the Raptor’s Logo – Artist unknown
I love the Raptors and quite like their logo. If was a very difficult process for me to attempt to replicate this logo. I like the original design and how strong the choice of colours are.
The Mona Maka
Drawing on board
Referencing the Raptor’s Logo – Artist unknown
I love the Raptors and quite like their logo. If was a very difficult process for me to attempt to replicate this logo. I like the original design and how strong the choice of colours are.
Tali Zecharia
Believe
Pencil and photocopy on paper
Referencing a drawing of Justin Beiber from Singer’s Drawing
This is a drawing of Justin Bieber’s face. It makes me feel good and proud to have drawn it. It is a replica of the original drawing.
Believe
Pencil and photocopy on paper
Referencing a drawing of Justin Beiber from Singer’s Drawing
This is a drawing of Justin Bieber’s face. It makes me feel good and proud to have drawn it. It is a replica of the original drawing.
Sam Aronoff
Death and Fumes
Oil stick paint on canvas board
Referencing “Death and Fire” by Paul Klee
It resembles Death and Fire, but I changed the colours and many of the lines. I want people to notice how long it took me to make this – 45 minutes. I had to use a surgeon’s mask and gloves because it is toxic when not dry! One of the ways that it is different is because Paul Klee had a reason for painting his work and I was just copying it.
Death and Fumes
Oil stick paint on canvas board
Referencing “Death and Fire” by Paul Klee
It resembles Death and Fire, but I changed the colours and many of the lines. I want people to notice how long it took me to make this – 45 minutes. I had to use a surgeon’s mask and gloves because it is toxic when not dry! One of the ways that it is different is because Paul Klee had a reason for painting his work and I was just copying it.
Nicholas Blackstein
Blue Jays Logo
Paint
Referencing the Blue Jay’s Logo
My artwork is a replication of the Blue Jays Logo silhouetted against a blue and white background. I want people to notice that I have used the logo, but that it is a silhouette.
Blue Jays Logo
Paint
Referencing the Blue Jay’s Logo
My artwork is a replication of the Blue Jays Logo silhouetted against a blue and white background. I want people to notice that I have used the logo, but that it is a silhouette.
Rachel Brooks
Earth, Water, Fire
Drawing with plastecine on board
Referencing a sculpture in the History Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona
I have recreated the famous sculpture with my own modern twist. I created tattoos on the women’s arm that represent earth blending into water and water turning into fire. Her tattoos and earrings represent the loudness of the modern world and her nudity represents the quiet, innocence of the modern world. In order to make this I sketched the original piece and then, using plastacine, created my artwork over top.
Earth, Water, Fire
Drawing with plastecine on board
Referencing a sculpture in the History Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona
I have recreated the famous sculpture with my own modern twist. I created tattoos on the women’s arm that represent earth blending into water and water turning into fire. Her tattoos and earrings represent the loudness of the modern world and her nudity represents the quiet, innocence of the modern world. In order to make this I sketched the original piece and then, using plastacine, created my artwork over top.
Michal Freedman
Untitled
Clay
Referencing “In Airlee Gardens” by Vicki Winslow
Untitled
Clay
Referencing “In Airlee Gardens” by Vicki Winslow
Jake Greenberg
Minion
Acrylic paint on canvas board
Referencing the art design team from Despicable Me.
My drawing shows the friendly personality of the Minion race. The minion that I have painted has different cloths from the original. It is different from the original because, obviously, the original Minion is multiple, animated drawings and mine is one original painting.
Minion
Acrylic paint on canvas board
Referencing the art design team from Despicable Me.
My drawing shows the friendly personality of the Minion race. The minion that I have painted has different cloths from the original. It is different from the original because, obviously, the original Minion is multiple, animated drawings and mine is one original painting.
Aaron Gotkin
Yankee Domination
Collage with pencil crayon on canvas board
Referencing the New York Yankee Logo
My artwork is a collage of Yankee’s logos and Jerseys. I want people to notice how simple, but iconic it is. My work is the same as the original except that it is done in pencil crayon, which makes it look more vintage.
Yankee Domination
Collage with pencil crayon on canvas board
Referencing the New York Yankee Logo
My artwork is a collage of Yankee’s logos and Jerseys. I want people to notice how simple, but iconic it is. My work is the same as the original except that it is done in pencil crayon, which makes it look more vintage.
Jonah Gutmann
The Philadelphia Eagle
Collage and Drawing
Referencing the Philadelphia Eagles Logo
The Philadelphia Eagles are so lucky to have one of the coolest logos in the NFL. They are my favourite team in the NFL – although, even if they were not my favourite team, I would love to take on this challenge for my final project. I had a great time doing this and hope that it lasts for a long time. I really tried to pay attention to the detail of the eagle and not get anything messed up.
The Philadelphia Eagle
Collage and Drawing
Referencing the Philadelphia Eagles Logo
The Philadelphia Eagles are so lucky to have one of the coolest logos in the NFL. They are my favourite team in the NFL – although, even if they were not my favourite team, I would love to take on this challenge for my final project. I had a great time doing this and hope that it lasts for a long time. I really tried to pay attention to the detail of the eagle and not get anything messed up.
Matthew Lax
Untitled
Marker and paper
Referencing the Patriots Logo
The New England Patriots are privileged to have one of the most visually appealing logos in the NFL. I love their logo and that is why I decided to reconstruct it as my final art project. In my drawing, alongside the logo are more things related to the Patriots, such as their quarterback’s jersey, their mascot and their stadium.
Untitled
Marker and paper
Referencing the Patriots Logo
The New England Patriots are privileged to have one of the most visually appealing logos in the NFL. I love their logo and that is why I decided to reconstruct it as my final art project. In my drawing, alongside the logo are more things related to the Patriots, such as their quarterback’s jersey, their mascot and their stadium.
Jaimie Levett
Vogueing it
Collage
Referencing “Vogue cover” by Andy Warhol
I took pieces from many different Vogue covers and created one cover. It makes me feel happy and successful. I want people to notice the “classiness” within it. Andy Warhol designed a Vogue cover as did I. Mine is different because he made one simple cover and I made one that is more complex with bits and pieces from random covers.
Vogueing it
Collage
Referencing “Vogue cover” by Andy Warhol
I took pieces from many different Vogue covers and created one cover. It makes me feel happy and successful. I want people to notice the “classiness” within it. Andy Warhol designed a Vogue cover as did I. Mine is different because he made one simple cover and I made one that is more complex with bits and pieces from random covers.
Gillian Maltz
Cupboard Cola
Marker on cupboard
Referencing “Coca Cola” by Andy Warhol
There is a mural of a coke bottle on a cupboard and my logo is written underneath. The bottle is exploding with coke. My work is the same as Warhol because it has a coca-cola logo and the green bottle. It is different from Warhol because there is only one bottle in my work and the bottle is exploding with pop. Warhol also did multiple prints of his image and there is only one Cupboard Cola!
Cupboard Cola
Marker on cupboard
Referencing “Coca Cola” by Andy Warhol
There is a mural of a coke bottle on a cupboard and my logo is written underneath. The bottle is exploding with coke. My work is the same as Warhol because it has a coca-cola logo and the green bottle. It is different from Warhol because there is only one bottle in my work and the bottle is exploding with pop. Warhol also did multiple prints of his image and there is only one Cupboard Cola!
Jake Mintz
TML
Marker on paper
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
I created an artwork by the one and the only TML. The people who inspired me were the hockey players on the team.
TML
Marker on paper
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
I created an artwork by the one and the only TML. The people who inspired me were the hockey players on the team.
Justin Moncik
The All Star Team
Collage
Referencing the New York Giant’s Logo
My artwork is a collage of the best New York Giant Players with the logo in the middle. My logo is basically the same as the original except for the different shade of blue. Of course I also added the pictures of the players.
The All Star Team
Collage
Referencing the New York Giant’s Logo
My artwork is a collage of the best New York Giant Players with the logo in the middle. My logo is basically the same as the original except for the different shade of blue. Of course I also added the pictures of the players.
Ronnie Oelbaum
Robe Me
Pencil and collage on board
Referencing a drawing of Matt Healey – artist unknown
I did a drawing of matt Healy with the song lyrics in the background. I love Matt. He has really inspired me as a person and it meant a lot to draw him.
Robe Me
Pencil and collage on board
Referencing a drawing of Matt Healey – artist unknown
I did a drawing of matt Healy with the song lyrics in the background. I love Matt. He has really inspired me as a person and it meant a lot to draw him.
Sarah Rimer
All Star
Paint and Marker on Cupboard
Referencing “Converse” by Andy Warhol
My artwork is the footprints of Converse with ALL STAR in the center. This piece uplifts my spirits, because of the colourful prints and the “all star” – you are all all stars! Both my work and Andy Warhol’s artwork feature converse shoes. Warhol did multiple prints and I did multiple footprints!
All Star
Paint and Marker on Cupboard
Referencing “Converse” by Andy Warhol
My artwork is the footprints of Converse with ALL STAR in the center. This piece uplifts my spirits, because of the colourful prints and the “all star” – you are all all stars! Both my work and Andy Warhol’s artwork feature converse shoes. Warhol did multiple prints and I did multiple footprints!
Jacob Seiler
Coffee
Pencil and watercolour on board
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
I made a watercolour cup of coffee from Starbucks to emulate the can of soup. My work is similar to Andy Warhol’s artwork because both of them are simple, well-known food products.
Coffee
Pencil and watercolour on board
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
I made a watercolour cup of coffee from Starbucks to emulate the can of soup. My work is similar to Andy Warhol’s artwork because both of them are simple, well-known food products.
Danielle Sharir-Smith
Walking on Air
Acrylics, fabric on canvas board
Referencing “Walking Woman” by Michael Snow
My artwork is designed to reflect upon a classic piece by Michael Snow in the Walking Woman series. Compared to the original piece, which was full of uniform lines and structure, my art celebrates the new summer weather that we so enjoy by twisting the fabric on the woman’s dress as if it were caught on a gentle summer breeze. Also, I decided that instead of giving the viewer a two-dimensional, bland experience by only using acrylics, I utilized my available fabrics to add texture, and if one stands close enough, they will also be able to notice the traces of fragrance I placed on the art. By using these tools, the viewer is now able to use three of their five basic senses instead of only one, providing a much better appreciation for the piece.
Walking on Air
Acrylics, fabric on canvas board
Referencing “Walking Woman” by Michael Snow
My artwork is designed to reflect upon a classic piece by Michael Snow in the Walking Woman series. Compared to the original piece, which was full of uniform lines and structure, my art celebrates the new summer weather that we so enjoy by twisting the fabric on the woman’s dress as if it were caught on a gentle summer breeze. Also, I decided that instead of giving the viewer a two-dimensional, bland experience by only using acrylics, I utilized my available fabrics to add texture, and if one stands close enough, they will also be able to notice the traces of fragrance I placed on the art. By using these tools, the viewer is now able to use three of their five basic senses instead of only one, providing a much better appreciation for the piece.
Sam Shuster-Hyman
Sprite Bottle
Plaster, metal and paint
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
Sprite Bottle
Plaster, metal and paint
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
Jack Stein
Wilson US Open
Pencil on paper
Referencing the New Orleans Saint’s Logo
I drew a sketch of a US Open tennis ball because I like to play tennis and these balls are the most popular ones. I also sometimes go to the actual US Open and these balls remind me of the excitement I get before.
Wilson US Open
Pencil on paper
Referencing the New Orleans Saint’s Logo
I drew a sketch of a US Open tennis ball because I like to play tennis and these balls are the most popular ones. I also sometimes go to the actual US Open and these balls remind me of the excitement I get before.
Emma Viner
Cans in Love
Photograph
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
My artwork is about the many stages of love and life. I want people to notice love is “love” – between human to human. The innocence of the cans symbolizes the innocence of a heart in love. The cans from the famous artwork are still included in my photograph, however I am adding a story.
Cans in Love
Photograph
Referencing “Campbell’s Soup” by Andy Warhol
My artwork is about the many stages of love and life. I want people to notice love is “love” – between human to human. The innocence of the cans symbolizes the innocence of a heart in love. The cans from the famous artwork are still included in my photograph, however I am adding a story.
Ethan Weinberger
The Funeral
Black & White Photograph
Referencing “The Old Guitarist” by Pablo Picasso
My artwork is a photograph of the bigger picture from Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist”. It is a picture of the man from the painting playing guitar at a funeral. Others are morning over a coffin. The photo helps me understand how Picasso may have felt during his Blue period. I want people to notice the coffin in this image, because it is my artistic interpretation of Picasso’s painting. Both of our artwork is based on the same theme. The only difference is that mine contains what could possibly be going on in the rest of the room in which the old man is playing the guitar.
The Funeral
Black & White Photograph
Referencing “The Old Guitarist” by Pablo Picasso
My artwork is a photograph of the bigger picture from Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist”. It is a picture of the man from the painting playing guitar at a funeral. Others are morning over a coffin. The photo helps me understand how Picasso may have felt during his Blue period. I want people to notice the coffin in this image, because it is my artistic interpretation of Picasso’s painting. Both of our artwork is based on the same theme. The only difference is that mine contains what could possibly be going on in the rest of the room in which the old man is playing the guitar.
Sam Weisbrod
McLaren’s Logo
Marker on Paper
Referencing the McLaren’s Logo
My artwork is the McLaren’s Logo. The reason that I did this was because it makes me feel good.
McLaren’s Logo
Marker on Paper
Referencing the McLaren’s Logo
My artwork is the McLaren’s Logo. The reason that I did this was because it makes me feel good.
Chase Winston
The Hand
Acrylic paint and pencil
Referencing “the Hand” by Guido Daniele
My art is a mixture between a hand and a bird’s face. I drew my artwork and the original was a photograph of a painted hand.
The Hand
Acrylic paint and pencil
Referencing “the Hand” by Guido Daniele
My art is a mixture between a hand and a bird’s face. I drew my artwork and the original was a photograph of a painted hand.