My name is Ilona Burghardt and I was born in London, Ontario.
I attended at the University of Western Ontario, and the Ontario College of Art.
I started drawing when I was very young and have always been attracted to painting, and the world of visual art. To me, the process of creation is such a spiritual experience, and I am thrilled when my work conveys what it was that I had intended. Like anything else, in painting, there are difficult moments and others that are joyous and flooded with inspiration!
Each piece of artwork that I paint, is like embarking on a journey. I have an idea, decide on the materials I will use to execute it, and then the process of creation starts. I find it fascinating how light transforms the natural world, and have been influenced by the Fauvists, Group of Seven and the Impressionists. Every medium has its own characteristics, and I enjoy switching from one to another. I work predominantly in oils and soft pastels. The ability to express a feeling or thought in a visual language of colour and form is so rewarding and challenging at the same time. There are limitless possibilities once you put your brush to canvas and there is always something to be learned and taken away from each piece of art created.
I paint landscapes, urban scenes, portraits, and am open to any kind of commission that someone might ask for.
I am a member of the Gallery Painting Group that focusses on plein air painting, and am also a member of the Lambeth Art Association. I am an associate artist at the Art Bank in London, Ontario, and have works displayed at Art With Panache. I am also a member of the EKKT (The Society of Estonian Artists in Toronto).
