Maggie Burrows began her art journey growing up on the rustic and pristine coast of Southern Oregon, a place that played a big role in shaping her artistic outlook. Growing up in a family that loved creativity and encouraged exploration, Maggie got exposed to various forms of art from a young age. Her mother and aunt were key in nurturing her natural talent, often taking her to galleries, theaters, and concerts. By the time she was in her early teens, Maggie had already shown a knack for graphic design and illustration. She would spend hours studying the works of Maxfield Parrish, Georgia O’Keefe, and the Masters of the Impressionist period. She was also greatly influenced by the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements.
Maggie was given her 1st set of pastels at 13 and instantly fell in love with the medium. At 14 she had her 1st exhibit at the Oakland Museum; a pencil and charcoal drawing she did of her sister. Later, in her 20’s, she earned an Emerging Artist Award by the local Art Association in Southern Oregon for her pastel paintings which were sold at their annual Christmas Exhibit. Maggie has also won multiple ribbons for her pastel paintings from the local County Fairs in Southern Oregon.
While the Fickle Finger of Fate put the trajectory of Maggie’s career in art on hold, she never stopped creating in some form, whether it was painting the set for her kid’s school play or designing flyers for the local little theater performance. Fast forward a couple of decades; 2 children, 3 grandchildren and a 20-year career in finance later, it was the passing of her mother that made her re-evaluate what made her truly happy...creating art. She found solace in watching old Bob Ross videos, and picking up a paint brush helped her through the grieving process. Maggie found a new passion for acrylic painting and learning new techniques with mixed media. She has continued to hone her skills and broadens her education through on-line and in-person classes.
When Maggie isn’t trekking through the woods of the Pacific Northwest or doting on her grandkids- she is finding bliss by turning canvass into a compelling story through her acrylic painting and mixed media works.
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." Pablo Picasso