BioLaura LaRue is a high school art teacher who works and resides with her family in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She paints primarily with encaustic wax, incorporating oils, mixed media, and ephemera. Although she has been teaching art for almost 30 years, she did not discover the art of encaustic painting until much later. First displaying at a local gallery in 2011, her colorful and energetic work can now be found in private collections and in shows across the US and Canada. Artist StatementCaptivated by nature and the how her moods seem to echo those of human emotions, I imply organic textures with the wax and use it as a vehicle for drawings and embedded objects. My immersion into this versatile medium is in a constant state of flux as I learn new techniques and find new inspirations every day.
My current series, Little Old Ladies, is a tribute to the memory of all of the quietly strong, reserved yet feisty, trailblazing women in our lives whose unwavering support, and a single raised eyebrow, shaped us into the people we have become. With names like Betty and Stella, they stir up images of times spent with our mother’s, grandmother’s, aunt’s or any other important women who have impacted our lives. Using an intuitive approach to color, shape, and texture, I strive to infuse each painting with its own unique personality, reflecting the individuality of the women they represent. The vibrant hues and dynamic marks are not just aesthetic choices; they are deliberate gestures that echo the joy, strength, and complexity of the relationships we hold dear. |
See more of my artwork available for purchase on my Etsy site.
Encaustic Art by LaRueLa To see what's currently on my studio table, follow me on Instagram LaRueLa_art |