Artist Kyle Polzin Oil on Canvas
Looking at “Pond Yacht”, anyone who has ever built or owned one of the wooden model boats will instantly recognize all the tiny details Polzin didn’t overlook. The stitching in the sails, the metal rings around the mainmast, the painted waterline mark . . . all there in exquisite detail. In “Polzin Intermission”, the details in the handle of the cheese knife are razor sharp, while the veins of mold in the bleu cheese are muted.
And if there is any doubt whether Polzin is a product of the Gulf coast, look no further for proof than in the details of “Easy Does It”, where two fishermen are stalking in the coastal flats. A ray of light illuminates just the anglers, as one stands on the poling platform inching the boat toward the prey, while the other stands in the bow, bracing himself with the bow line. If you follow the bow angler’s gaze, you can see the dorsal and tail fins of the redfish as the tail in the shallow water.
Where does one learn to paint like that? “Most of my teaching has been self-taught. However, I have spent time with more experienced artists who have helped guide me along,” said Polzin. Finding more experienced artists isn’t hard; Polzin is only 34. He had some formal training in Victoria, Texas at Victoria College under the instruction of Larry Shook. He also received instructional sessions from master painter Dalhart Windberg. “Like a lot of artists, I am drawn to the dramatic lighting and realistic approach of the early Dutch masters like Vermeer and Rembrandt, but I credit the work of Dalhart Windberg for my influence into the field of fine art as a craeer. His work has inspired me since early on in childhood.”
Growing up with family who were artists probably didn’t hurt his development. Polzin related, “My dad is an artist as well, but has not pursued it as a career just yet. My grandfather has been a stained glass artist most of his life. From my earliest memories, I remember drawing something or watching my dad draw, or building something with one of my granddads. I have always enjoyed crafting something from scratch.”
Polzin’s upbringing also influenced his choice of subject matter. He grew up with outdoorsmen who liked to fish the Texas bays and surf near Port O’Connor. “I grew up on the Texas coast and spent a great deal of time fishing and going to the beach with my family, so most of my landscape scenes are coastal. Saltwater is in my blood!”
One of Polzin’s favorite paintings also has a familial connection. “I painted a still life of my grandfather’s old cowboy gear that I titled ‘Grandpa’s Gear’. The painting featured his old saddle, his hat and a pair of spurs. This has always had special meaning to me.”
What else inspires him to paint? “Objects that have lots of character and detail. An old worn saddle, a rustic wood bowl, or even a hand crafted musical instrument such as a violin or guitar. I also draw ideas from the places that I enjoy visiting. Places along the coast or in the hill country. I’ll come across some object that catches my attention. I can pretty quickly see it in some sort of setting in my mind. I’ll take it to my studio, sketch up a rough layout, then set up the scene. Often I need to locate other relative objects to make the scene work. Once I am happy with the setup. I’ll sketch the image to a canvas and begin painting. The painting process can take up to a couple of weeks depending on size and complexity.”
Some artists have routines they follow when they work. Some have traditions or habits. How about Polzin? How does he work? “I listen to all kinds of music but I especially like Willie Nelson. I might pop in an audio book. Lots of talk radio, too. When I am painting, my mind is pretty clear and I like to listen to and learn while I’m working. My schedule is all over the place, but I try and paint for a full three weeks straight and then take a week off. You’ll always find me with bare feet, an old pair of jeans and a t-shirt when I’m painting.”
Before becoming a full time artist, Polzin worked as a commercial artist, web developer, and muralist. His first big break came in Port Aransas, Texas in 1998. “I sold my first painting at the Port A Gallery in February 1998. I was pretty pumped about it. I couldn’t wait to get started on my next one. When I sold it, the idea occurred to me that I may be on to something!”
On to something? Let’s see. Polzin was chosen as Texas Ducks Unlimited’s Sponsor Artist for 2006-2007. His original oil painting titled "Hunter's Heritage" is still available as a Limited Edition reproduction through Ducks Unlimited.
In November 2007, Southwest Gallery, one of the oldest and largest galleries in Dallas, hosted his first major one-man show, which featured twenty-seven original works. Due to the high interest in the show, the paintings were available for purchase by draw only. The show was an overwhelming success. All twenty-seven pieces sold on opening night.
In April and May of 2008, works by Dalhart Windberg and Kyle Polzin were on display at The Rockport Center for the Arts in Rockport Texas. This major two-man exhibition featured original paintings and a selection of reproductions by each artist. Polzin began the show with twelve original works for sale, and sold all twelve during the first week of the show.
Polzin returned to the Port A Gallery in 2008, which hosted a one-man show on August 16, featuring twelve original paintings by the artist. All twelve sold by draw the night of the show, marking his third sold-out show in 12 months.
Oh, and in early 2008 Kyle signed on with Somerset Fine Art who is now publishing limited editions of his original works. He also will be featured in a one-man show at Southwest Gallery in November of 2009.
On to something? You might say that.