"The Grotto"

Oil on Linen

30" x 48"

Artist: Lauren Stout Raisanen 

Signed: LJ

"The Grotto" is a painting that spans time. The wolf-woman is a character from my collaboration with the Photographer, John Milton. I made wolf masks for the photoshoots, which turned into an Avant Garde performing troupe I called, Feral Majesty (funny side note: I used that name for an herbal tea business I owned for five years as well). 

I digress. This painting took about 10 years to complete. I had the figure, but could not for the life of me figure out in what world she existed. Turns out, I needed just a bit of guidance in world building to find it. Thus, my wolf woman lives where the water is jewel toned and she can find refuge in nature's beauty. 

- Lauren