LaDara McKinnon is a teaching abstract artist, curator, and business owner based in Charlotte, NC, who was raised in Hawaii and Japan. Her appreciation for the arts and color began in her years living abroad. 

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts while minoring in Psychology and Women & Gender studies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As an undergraduate she studied abroad at Burren School of Art in Clare, Ireland which inspired her to pursue a career as an artist. Which turned into LaDara Fine Art being founded.

 

LaDara's vibrant abstract compositions are layered with rich colors, playful brushstrokes, and gestural mark making that are heavily influenced by her desire for self expression, creative freedom, and stories of triumph.

 

LaDara’s work has been licenced, published and collaborated with numerous brands such as Uppercase Mag, QC Exclusive Magazine,  Minted, HGTV, Better Homes and Gardens, Davidson College, HomeGoods, Wexel Art, Allsprings Global Headquarters, Atrium Heath, and WestElm.com. Also, invitationally exhibited at The Harvey B. Gantt, Matthew's Town Hall, and GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art. 

 

Including, invitationally ask to speak at panales and host workshops at colleges and retreats such as Catawba Valley Community College, Utah Valley University, and McColl Center for Arts + Innovation.

 

She received recognition by Honeybook and Rising Tide based on empowerment, impact, purpose, and passion, received an Artist Support Grant from ASC, and much more.

 

LaDara pushes the boundaries within the art industry by incorporating teaching, philanthropy and storytelling into her art practice. Some of her philanthropy includes benefiting organizations like Safe Alliance, The Loveland Foundation, and many more.