Kyle Polzin "Grace and Grit" Show and Sale

Kyle Polzin There are very few superlatives that seem worthy when trying to describe the artistic work of Kyle Polzin.

His paintings are so brilliantly executed they often leave the viewer staring at the canvas and wondering how the reality they’re looking at could have even come to be! To own a gift that rare and precious at a relatively young age only begins to describe the importance of what this talented artist executes with his work.

Kyle says that he is inspired by the work of Johannes Vermeer, the brilliant artist from the 1600’s who is now considered to be one of the masters. That is a high bar, but Kyle’s consistent presentation of masterworks depicting everything from flowers to guns to boots and bowls elevates him to such high rarefied air. He does not disappoint, and as a matter of fact, inspires, surprises and takes your breath away more often than not. These are not the accomplishments of an average artist.

I first found Kyle’s work in a gallery more than ten years ago. I remember the experience profoundly, and when I walked into the gallery rushed immediately to the wall where his paintings were hanging. Even then, his work stood out. Kyle is by no means a prolific painter and this show probably represents a years worth or more of paintings. How blessed we are to have a chance to experience this magnificent presentation of work. His ability to create a three dimensional look on a flat canvas is nothing short of genius, and in all my years in the art business, I have not used that word often.

The rest of the world has taken note too of Kyle’s brilliance. He has won numerous awards and his paintings are part of museum collections across the country. He participates annually in the prestigious Prix de West and the Masters of the American West shows.

I would also be remiss in not mentioning that Lori and I consider Kyle and Leigh good friends. He strikes me as a great husband, father and in fact a very fine gentleman. He is grounded and totally unassuming.

He is honorable in the way he goes about his business and this show is only the tip of the iceberg on what lies ahead for this highly gifted artist. Enjoy!

Tom Tierney Co-Founder of Art of the West Magazine

Kyle Polzin G r ac e y G r i t An American Narrative

S how & S ale • S cottsdale , AZ N ovember 14 th - 17 th , 2019 w

A rtist R eception S aturday , N ovember 16, 2019 5:00 - 7:00

pm

Sale will be conducted either on a draw or live auction basis.

Those in attendance at the opening will have an additional advantage on the sale of the draw items.

Please contact the gallery for further information, (480) 945-1113.

7178 M ain Street • S cottsdale, AZ 85251 • 480-945-1113 w w w . l e g ac yg a l l e ry . c o m

K yle P olzin “An American Narrative & Creative Process�

Presentation at Legacy Gallery Saturday, November 16th 10:00 am

Powder & Perseverance

15'' x 47'' Oil

Born on January 16, 1974, Kyle Polzin grew up in South Texas, and began developing his artistic skills at a young age under the guidance of his father. Brought up around horses and the Gulf coast, Kyle grew to appreciate the beauty and heritage of his Texas surroundings which is reflected in his art. He worked closely with his grandfathers who were both skilled carpenters, and through their teachings, learned the value of craftsmanship and the reward of creating with your hands.

In 1992, Kyle began his formal training in fine art at Victoria College with emphasis in oil painting. During this time, he participated in instructional sessions under Dalhart Windberg, whose work has influenced him since boyhood.

After college Kyle worked as a graphic artist and web designer while painting in his free time. As his popularity and success as a painter grew, he switched to painting full time in 2000.

Kyle Polzin in his studio

Kyle received the Express Ranches Great American Cowboy Award at the 2013 Prix de West in Oklahoma City, and the Don B. Huntley SPIRIT OF THE WEST Award, given in recognition of the most outstanding work in cowboy subject matter for three years in a row at the Autry National Center’s Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale. He has had numerous sold out shows and his work has been featured in Art of the West, Southwest Art, Western Art Collector, Texas Outdoors Journal, and numerous other publications. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Leigh along with their two young daughters.

37'' x 11'' Oil

Kyle Polzin [3]

Guardian of the Grasslands 31'' x 40'' Oil

My favorite way to honor the Dutch Golden Age master painters, is to highlight interesting subject matter through chiaroscuro lighting. I believe the contrast of the feathers and jeweled tone fabrics against the buffalo hide capture this style in a way that is reminiscent of those great paintings. As I was crafting the war bonnet and coups stick for this painting, I took great care to research the Plains warriors to ensure authenticity. Making these items is such a rewarding part of the painting and helps me fulfill my vision for the finished work.

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Defender of the Territory

38'' x 38'' Oil

I had this idea for these two saddle paintings after listening to a documentary about the Battle of the Little Bighorn. I loved the idea of depicting the contrast of two cultures colliding.

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Manifest Destiny

38'' x 38'' Oil

I wanted to highlight the earthy qualities in the Plains warrior saddle against the formal regimental Calvary saddle. Both unique and captivating in their own way.

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Voyage Through the Boundary Waters 37'' x 55'' Oil

I have always been fascinated by the works of Phillip R. Goodwin and his paintings of the American outdoors. I wanted to create a still life that would capture the story of his paintings, specifically the classic canvas covered canoe. I imagined a moose hunter returning from a successful hunt when picking the items out for this piece. As all my pieces are painted to scale, this painting has become one of my most ambitious.

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Burnished with Time

27'' x 19'' Oil

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Quick Draw

15'' x 21'' Oil

As a kid, I loved setting up bottles for target practice with my .22. In my painting "Quick Draw!", I wanted to capture this memory. I decided to incorporate a drawing to help depict the story and was excited to try using my own sketch in the painting. I posed in my favorite cowboy gear to help set up the scene. This is about as good as it gets for my own self-portrait!

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Tuesday Delivery 30'' x 44'' Oil

To date, this is my most ambitious floral piece. There is a rustic flower shop near us where Leigh likes to buy flowers. We have learned over the years that the flowers come in fresh on Tuesday mornings. The look of the flower shop and freshly delivered flowers inspired this painting.

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Pap’s Stash

13'' x 18'' Oil

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California Reds

24'' x 33'' Oil

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Burnin’ Daylight 33'' x 34'' Oil

When I was young, my little brother and I spent many weekends with my grandparents and there was always work to be done. This meant spending happy Saturdays working alongside my grandfather tending the horses or maintaining the hunting camp. I can still remember him saying “Come on boys, we’re burning daylight.”

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Keepsake

18'' x 9'' Oil

Morning Blush

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14'' x 14'' Oil

Campana de Misiรณn

44'' x 24'' Oil

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Awards

and

Accolades

2012, 2013, 2014 - Don B. Huntley Spirit of the West Award at the West Fine Art Exhibition at the Masters of the American West, Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2013 - Express Ranches Great American Cowboy Award, Prix de West Invitational, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK.

Selected Exhibitions 2012 - 2018 - Masters of the American West, Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2012 - 2018 - Prix de West Invitational, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK. 2015 - American Masters Invitational, Salmugundi Art Club, , New York, NY.

Books

and

Publications

Texas Traditions: Contemporary Artists of the Lone Star State by Michael Duty and Susan Hallsten McGarry, 2010

Articles & Magazine Covers Art of the West – September/October 2013 (cover), March/April 2018 (cover) Cowboys and Indians – November/December 2019 International Artist Magazine – February/March 2017 (cover) Southwest Art Magazine – April 2010, March 2016 (cover), November 2019 Western Art and Architecture – October/November 2019 Western Art Collector – September 2015, November 2019

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7178 M ain Street • S cottsdale , AZ 85251 • 480-945-1113 www.legacygallery.com