Elena Gladkova, b. 1988. Oil Painter.

I find immense joy in depicting the beauty of the world, particularly through painting from direct observation. My passion for art began in Moscow, where I grew up visiting the Tretyakov Gallery, and deepened after moving to the United States as a child with frequent visits to museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum. My curiosity led me to study drawing and oil painting at Grand Central Atelier in NYC where I have completed three years of classical training.

Six years ago, I made a life-changing decision to leave my corporate job and fully dedicate myself to art. This choice has made me deeply grateful for every moment spent at the easel, painting landscapes, still lifes, and people. As an outdoor enthusiast, discovering plein air painting transformed my life. Painting outdoors allows me to connect deeply with nature, making me fully present in the moment and more attuned to every detail. It reveals the essence of a place far beyond what a photograph can capture. I am continuously learning and developing my skills, inspired by nature's beauty, which remains my greatest teacher.