Laura LaRue
Biography
Laura 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 her work at a local gallery in 2011, her work can now be found in private collections and in shows across the US and internationally.
Artist Statement
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.