Czech artist a hidden gem in Clayton
CLAYTON, CA (Oct. 25, 2024) — Lenka Glassner, a Czechoslovakian-born artist, is a treasured presence in the Clayton art scene.
Her journey as an artist has been profoundly influenced by her mother, who was also an artist in Czechoslovakia. Glassner speaks with deep admiration of her mother’s dedication, recalling how, despite the daily struggle of survival in Communist Czechoslovakia, her mother always found time to create extraordinary paintings. She continues to look up to her mother as a role model, cherishing the creativity that surrounded her childhood.
Originally an oil painter, Glassner decided to challenge herself by embracing watercolor – a notoriously difficult medium. Transitioning from painting portraits to mastering landscapes in watercolor proved to be a significant step. Yet, she embraced the difficulty, relishing the growth it brought her as an artist.
One of her greatest joys is hiking on Mount Diablo. She describes how the natural beauty of the mountain, combined with the physical effort of hiking, fuels her creativity. After feeling the burn in her feet from the hike, she finds herself eager to translate the energy of the landscape into art.
“We are living in a beautiful environment,” she says, acknowledging the immense inspiration found in her surroundings.
Painting becomes refuge
Glassner’s personal life has also deeply impacted her art. She recently lost her son, and through her grief, she turned to painting as a form of healing.
“The agony lessened in my studio,” she explains, reflecting on how painting became her refuge in times of sorrow.
One of her most cherished achievements was realizing her dream of hosting an art show in her garden. In May 2024, the Clayton Historical Society accepted her garden for the Home Garden Tour. She made the day extraordinary by inviting a violinist and an ensemble of flutists who played classical music as guests admired her stunning watercolor paintings and handmade Czech Easter eggs, known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Glassner’s artwork – along with the serene beauty of the garden itself – captivated the visitors.
Through her art, Glassner offers a glimpse into her world: a place of beauty, resilience and personal expression. Her work touches the heart of Clayton and beyond.
Email comments for Julia O’Reilly to joreillyfineartgallery@gmail.com.
Read more Artful Insights.
Julia O'Reilly
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey, Julia pursued her studies in Business and Economics at Istanbul University before immigrating to the United States in 1991. She furthered her education at Las Positas College, specializing in Interior Design, and eventually settled in Clayton, where she has resided for 29 years. In 2003, Julia began her career as a jewelry artist, earning recognition from Diablo Magazine as the Best of the East Bay Local Jewelry Designer in 2012. Since 2014, she has been involved with the Blackhawk Gallery in Danville, California, and became President of the Alamo Danville Artists Society in 2020. In 2022, she opened her own JOR Fine Art Gallery, and for the past two years, she has been actively contributing to the Art Community in Clayton, a passion she deeply cherishes.