Lizy Richardson said she was thrilled and surprised when she was named the 2010 Austin High School Artist of the Year Wednesday.

“I love art,” she said.

Richardson was among nine AHS seniors who were candidates for Artist of the Year. During an awards assembly Wednesday, all nine showcased videos they crafted. They and other AHS art students were honored during the program for their work in various mediums — judged by students and staff.

“I’ve come to love painting,” Richardson said of her favorite medium.

While painting with acrylics is her favorite, she’s also fond of working with chalk and pastels, she said.

Richardson plans to attend Riverland Community College next year, before transferring to another art program.

“I need to see what I want to do,” she said. “Definitely something with art.”

Richardson was able to spend a lot of time during her senior year refining her artistic talents. She spent her free periods and study halls painting, and also took several art classes.

She is the final Austin High School Artist of the Year to be named under longtime art teacher Bruce Loeschen, who retires this spring.

“He’s probably the best teacher I’ve ever had,” she said. “He’s my inspiration.”

Loeschen’s former students, and artist of the year alumni, filled the stage to thank him and congratulate Richardson Wednesday.

The 2010 Artists of the Year candidates were Edgar Garcia, Estrella Gutierrez, Beth Hamilton, Whitney Heiny, Rene Lazaro, Ryan Rasell, Breanna Stegenga and Nicole Schabert.

The nine students were selected from a field of 16 senior applicants who displayed their portfolios in Christgau Hall. The portfolios were judged on the students’ breadth of work, choice of style and theme, presentation, written expression, artistic voice and leadership abilities.