I am thrilled to present my fourth exhibition of works by Virginia-based artist Maggie Perrin-Key. In past shows, I have primarily exhibited Perrin-Key's large-scale paintings. This solo exhibit is a collection of small works on paper. There is something so immediate and intimate about small-scale drawings. I knew I needed to share this body of colored pencil on paper with you.
In particular, Perrin-Key's works on paper offer a glimpse into the artists' process and daily rituals. She creates these works right after waking up first thing in the morning. She draws at a time before the chaos of life barges in. She has not looked at the media. She has not spoken to anyone. It is just her. At this moment, Perrin-Key can explore color, shape, and concentrated energy.
This meditative process is visible through building layers of colored pencil to get a very saturated and rich field of color. Perrin-Key's color choices are intuitive, believing that specific colors have a personality and become characters playing off each other as if in a play.
Plants, music, clothing, food, or colors that seem happy together inspire her abstract shapes. What I love about these colored pencil on paper works is how Perrin-Key plays with movement within her bold shapes. These works are a return to action.
I hope you enjoy this collection of colored pencil on paper works by Maggie Perrin-Key!
x, Charlotte Russell
