About
Hello, and welcome to my site! My name is Elena Gladkova.
Born in Moscow and raised in the U.S., I grew up inspired by the masterpieces of the Tretyakov Gallery, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Met. I received my classical training at the Grand Central Atelier, and I continue to paint from life, captivated by the honesty and presence it brings. Six years ago, I left a successful corporate career to devote myself fully to art, a choice that deepened my gratitude for every hour at the easel. Plein air painting holds a special place in my practice, allowing me to immerse myself in the shifting light, color, and textures of the natural world. I am especially captivated by the golden hour, when the landscape glows with fleeting magic. Through my work, I aim to share the beauty, stillness, harmony, and quiet wonder found in nature.
Education
Grand Central Atelier, New York, NY
Core Drawing and Painting Program, completed December 2024
Exhibitions
Solo Show:
Majoch Gallery, Effort, PA. Oct 2024
Selected Group Shows:
“78th Regional Exhibition”, Arnot Museum, Elmira, NY. Oct-Dec 2026
“17th Annual Figurative Art Exhibition”, Lore Degenstein Gallery, Selinsgrove, PA. Oct-Dec 2026
“This Land is My Land”, Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center, Wellsboro, PA. Oct-Nov 2026
“Macabre Masterpieces”, Evelyn Peeler Peacock Gallery, Corning, NY. Oct 2026
“A Show of Support”, Tioga Arts Council, Owego, NY. Oct 2026
“Everyday Life, Every Day Art”, Cloudcroft Studio, Owego, NY. Aug 2026
“Flowstate”, Willow Vermont, VT. Aug 2025
“From a Distance”, Salmagundi Club, Manhattan, NY. Jan 2024
Grand Central Atelier Year End Show, Salmagundi Club, Manhattan, NY. May 2024
“Atelier”, Willow Vermont Retreat, VT. Aug 2023
“Dream Space”, Salmagundi Club, Manhattan, NY, December 2022
In 2023, I was selected for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Copyist Program, where I completed a study after Rembrandt’s 1660 Self-Portrait.