Many Thanks and Sincere Gratitude

by Amy Burghardt

I have been drawing most of my life.  Which in a large part I am certain that I inherited from my father, who was blessed with artistic skills.  He was a self-taught artist who loved to draw for his enjoyment and the enjoyment of others. Over the years I have drawn with all types of mediums but never used colored pencils, so about 11 years ago, I decided to take colored pencil drawing classes at a local arts and crafts store.  I learned a lot from the teacher.  Her constant encouragement and helpful criticism helped me hone my artistic skills with colored pencils.

Bell Pepper

It was during this time that I learned about the CP Treasures.  I would see the CP Treasures, but I wasn’t sure how my artwork would stand up against the competition.  Ultimately, after receiving encouragement from family and friends, whom I had shared my artwork with, I decided to submit my colored pencil artwork, hoping that my artwork would be chosen one day.  Eventually, after numerous submissions, and continuous encouragement to continue submitting my work, one of my submissions was selected. I was overwhelmed after finding out my artwork “The Bell Pepper” was selected. Seeing my artwork for the first time in print in CP Hidden Treasures Volume 6 was exceptionally rewarding and motivating.

“The recognition of my colored pencil artwork…
has heightened my self-confidence.”

All along, I have continued to expand my portfolio of work.  Finding new and interesting subjects to draw, sometimes drawing something special for a close friend or family member.  My love of drawing has included taking the time to expand and hone my skills and knowledge.  To include working on my technique of shading, color mixing, and overall composition to improve the desired outcome for that next challenge.  Excited and motivated by my first inclusion in CP Hidden Treasures, I continued to submit my artwork to the last three CP Treasures.  Miraculously, my artwork was chosen for CP Hidden Treasures Volume 7, 8, and the final 9.  Words cannot begin to express the overwhelming joy, positivity, and just how proud I feel being a published colored pencil artist four times in a row!  It is such a wonderful accomplishment for anyone, at any age, and especially so for me at the age of 73!

Like all artists I imagine, all our artwork is special to us and those around us.  However, CP Hidden Treasures Volume 8 is extra special because not only is my artwork, “The Violin” featured inside; it is also on the front cover!

The Violin

When I received the official notification that “Always My Guide” had been selected to be featured in CP Hidden Treasures Volume 9, I literally cried tears of joy.  This specific drawing holds a special place in my heart, not just because it was selected, that is really icing on the cake.  It’s special because I drew this for my girlfriend Jane, who fostered and started the training program for her first guide dog.  Jane became quickly attached to the dog, a dog she already knew she was not able to keep.  So, in an effort to bring light to what we knew was eventually going to be a sad day, Jane asked me if I would please do a colored pencil drawing of her dog Miya; something that she could hang in her home as a reminder of what a special dog Miya was when it was time for her to return to the guide dog program for her advance training.  The decision to put Miya at the bow of the boat, was a homage to her mission, her training, and her calling to be that guide for those in need.  For me, this provided a double honor, not only did “Always my Guide” get selected and published, but I am also honored that Jane has Miya’s picture hanging in her home for all to enjoy.

Always My Guide

The recognition of my colored pencil artwork and to be featured publicly has heightened my self-confidence.  I continue to improve my art every time I pick up a colored pencil.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Ann Kullberg and her staff.  It has been the most wonderful experience to have my artwork recognized and featured in your CP Hidden Treasures books.

AMY BURGHARDT:

Amy Burghardt has been involved in all kinds of art mediums for most of her life.  Her art really became a focus after she retired from her career at CIA.  Her dedication to art really took off with colored pencil art after taking classes in 2014. She loves the depth of color she can achieve while using her favorite Prismacolor colored pencils.  She is currently living in Sarasota, Florida with her husband Jamie, and enjoys her other hobbies of reading, gardening, and nature.