Taking up an art career late in life, Polly’s creativity and life experiences, together with her keen eye for detail soon won her recognition in the most prestigious artistic arenas.
In 2005, Polly achieved recognition in Australia’s most prestigious awards and exhibitions: the Salon des Refusés and the Portia Geach Memorial Prize when she received a special commendation for her “extraordinary composition and characterisation”, with a portrait of painter Jeffrey Smart.
Painting in oils in an ultra realistic style, both Australian urban and remote landscapes dominate her portfolio, but she cannot escape the fascination and minutiae of portraiture, and is always drawn back to it, and is never without one in progress alongside her other works.
Painting with no formal art training and a background in business and management, Polly has always loved facing a blank canvas, applying her creativity to the business and not-for-profit sectors in various executive roles. Now her tools are oils and brushes.
Exhibitions and Awards
Salon des Refusés March 2005 S.H. Ervin Gallery Sydney NSW
Portia Geach Memorial Award September 2005 S.H. Ervin Gallery Sydney NSW
‘One Square Foot’ December 2005 MARS Gallery Melbourne VIC
The Hidden Faces of the Archibald 2006 Crown Towers Melbourne VIC
One Square Foot December 2006 MARS Gallery Melbourne VIC
‘Don’t Call Me A Domestic Goddess’ August 2007 MARS Gallery Melbourne VIC
Portia Geach Memorial Award September 2007 S.H. Ervin Gallery Sydney NSW
Hidden Faces of the Archibald June – July 2008 Park Hyatt Melbourne VIC