Polly, Paint & Pencil Studio: About the Artist

POLLY BURGE

Visual Artist

Polly, Paint & Pencil Studio

Box 157

Sheridan, WY 82801

Born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, my love for art has always been a presence. My early interest in art was instilled by my grandparents, both of whom were collectors of wildlife, equestrian, and sporting art. I took a number of advanced painting and art history classes in high school, then a few basic drawing and design courses before graduating from North Carolina State University. Somehow outfitted with a Bachelor's degree in Spanish, I came to Wyoming to pursue a path that would bring me closer to a career in horsemanship, another of my passions.

Over four summers working on the historic Eatons’ dude ranch (2012-2016), I fell in love with Sheridan’s strong horse culture and the Bighorn Mountain scenery that surrounded me. I moved from Virginia to officially call Sheridan home in 2015. Transplanting myself into Wyoming has given me access to the life of my dreams! Wrangling horses in the early morning hours, riding until dusk, exploring the mountains on foot, horseback, on skis or snowshoes, hunting, fishing, and taking in the outdoors have all filled my soul throughout the last decade.

I have a strong background drawing with charcoal and graphite, but my interest in exploring color lead me to experimenting with watercolors. Watercolor has become my choice medium in the last couple years, as I have found it easiest to pack into saddle bags and backpacks, or store on long car trips without having to transport messy mediums and solvents. Someday I hope to break into oils again, but most recently I have begun incorporating illustration techniques into my watercolor paintings by using ink and gouache. My sketchbooks are among my most treasured things, which I carry most everywhere. Immersed in an exciting and beautiful landscape, I am continually inspired to draw and paint what I see.

I am so happy spending time in my studio revisiting my experiences with nature and horses, and I'm always dreaming up new adventures in the company of my dogs, Tiller and Baron. I have been earning income as an artist part-time since the fall of 2016, and I currently serve as a director on the board at SAGE Community Arts. I have work hanging in a number of Sheridan area galleries, including Expressions Art Gallery, Red Bison Studio, SAGE Community Arts’ Member Gallery, Main Frame, Gallery on Main (Dayton, WY), and The Hitching Post Gallery (Buffalo, WY). I am also an annual participant of the Washakie Museum Mammoth Quickdraw in Worland, WY (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) and contribute work for the annual Rooted in Wyoming Hoedown & Auction fundraiser (2019, 2020), as well as for many other nonprofit fundraisers and benefits.