Lydia McKee (b. 1998, UK) is a contemporary artist based in Los Angeles whose work
delves into the intricate inner landscapes of thought, memory, and emotion. Known for
her large-scale paintings on raw canvas, McKee’s process is deeply physical - often
working from a ladder and allowing the full reach of her body to guide each
composition. Her bold gestural marks, layered textures, and vibrant palettes merge
abstraction with playful, imperfect elements that echo the unfiltered creativity of
childhood.
Through the unexpected union of childlike materials - crayons, craft paint, and markers
- and sweeping, expressive brushstrokes, McKee creates a dialogue between
playfulness and self-reflection. This interplay reflects her enduring belief that staying
connected to one’s inner child is essential to creativity, healing, and self-discovery.
Her 2024 - 2025 exhibitions include Exploring Abstraction at Pryor Gallery in Palm Beach,
Piece of Me in New York, and Precious at Gallerium in Los Angeles. In her recent West
Hollywood solo show, The Heart of The Maze, McKee presented monumental canvases
and an immersive tent installation crafted entirely from painted raw canvas, creating a
serene, enclosed environment for reflection and comfort.
McKee’s work is collected by private patrons across the United States and around the
world. She also collaborates on bespoke commissions for residential and commercial
spaces, tailoring scale, palette, and composition to each environment while preserving
the emotional integrity of her practice.
Whether monumental or intimate, McKee’s paintings are as much personal love letters
as they are invitations for others to pause, reconnect, and find themselves within the
layered textures of her visual world.