Born on January 16, 1974, Kyle Polzin was raised in South Texas, where he developed his artistic talent at an early age under the guidance of his father. Growing up around horses and spending time fishing and exploring the Gulf Coast, he formed a lasting connection to the region’s culture and heritage—an influence that continues to shape his work. He also worked closely with his grandfathers, both skilled carpenters, who instilled in him a deep respect for craftsmanship and the rewards of working with one’s hands.

Polzin’s family history is deeply tied to the American West. His great-great-grandfather, Francis Marion “Frank” Pettit Sr., was a trail driver who made five cattle drives along the Chisholm Trail, driving herds to Kansas, Nebraska, and Montana—an enduring legacy that informs the spirit of his paintings.

In 1992, Polzin began formal training in fine art at Victoria College, focusing on oil painting. During this time, he studied under renowned Texas painter Dalhart Windberg and was profoundly influenced by the techniques of the Dutch masters, whose use of light, composition, and realism helped shape his classical approach to still life. Following college, he worked as a graphic artist and web designer while continuing to paint in his free time. By 2000, increasing recognition allowed him to pursue his fine art full time.

Polzin’s meticulous technique and reverence for historical subject matter have earned him national acclaim. In 2022, he received the prestigious Prix de West Purchase Award for his painting Rough Passage, which now hangs in the permanent collection of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. His work has been featured on the covers of Art of the West, Southwest Art, Western Art Collector, and numerous other publications, and he has enjoyed many sold-out exhibitions.

Kyle Polzin lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Leigh, and their two daughters. He is represented by Legacy Gallery, with locations in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.