"External Camouflage," 2014, Mixed Media on Birch Wood, 20" X 24"
Michael Ladd spent most of his childhood in Galveston County, Texas. He began drawing at the age of 10. Michael won an art scholarship in 1980 as a high school senior, but he chose to enter the Marine Corps after graduation. Michael's military duties quickly put a hold on his artistic pursuits for nearly 22 years.
Michael's artistic pursuits resumed when he retired from military service, as he attended the University of Maryland, University College. He exhibited his work in various Faculty/Student and special venues, and worked as an art vendor at several local jazz festivals.
After receiving a B.S. in Computer Studies/Art in 2005, Michael established LADDART as a business. He enrolled at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. Michael earned a MFA in Painting/Mixed Media from in 2016. His artistic focus is on helping wounded veterans by exploring the internal effects of life in the military through abstract expression.