The Vision: Art as a “Quiet Healer”
The Artist’s Reflection: The Energy of Creation
I often tell my collectors that these paintings are as much for me as they are for the world. I realize that creating serene works also helps me to feel calm and serene in my life. But beyond the serenity, there is an incredible spark in the studio.
“Why does art move me or excite me? It’s about the process, the joy and also the surprise factor. Creating new works is something that excites me since I get to share my energy with others. There is so much energy in art and also in my emotions as well.” — Clara Berta
When I am in the studio, the act of layering blues and silvers becomes a form of moving meditation. This energy is what I bring to my meetings, including my upcoming discussion with a Hospitality Art Consultant in Dana Point. Sharing that emotional “spark” is how a painting moves from the canvas to the heart of a hotel lobby or a luxury residence.
Inside the Studio: The Three Pillars of the Process
To create the depth found in these works, I rely on a specific three-step alchemy that allows the medium to speak for itself:
The Airbrushed Foundation: I begin by airbrushing the background to create a soft, ethereal drift. This technique eliminates the “friction” of brushstrokes initially, establishing an atmosphere of infinite depth before the first layer of texture is even applied.
The Magic of Silver: Silver brings the light. It adds a splash of vitality and a metallic shimmer that mimics the way sunlight hits a fractured glacier or dances across a Pacific wave.
The Soul of the Palette: Using my signature colors like Payne’s Gray and vibrant Turquoise, I build a sophisticated, cool depth. These pigments offer a complexity that flat black simply cannot achieve.
A Tale of Two Environments
1. Glaciers (The Deep Stillness)
Currently showing at Artspace Warehouse, this 60″ x 40″ work is a dance of atmosphere and precision.
“I created this work by airbrushing the background and then the magic started with the silver and my favorite color: Payne’s Gray. It’s a process of going with the flow—I love the momentum and rhythm of how this modern abstract artwork came to life.”
2. Laguna Bay (The Coastal Heart)
Created in the same timeframe, this piece is an homage to my home. It captures the restorative power of the Pacific.
“I created the background with a gorgeous turquoise since it reminds me of the ocean and Laguna Beach so much. The background was airbrushed to get that perfect, soft light, and then the magic came with the layers of colors and of course some of that silver and my favorite colors. There is so much magic when I create what moves my heart.”
Educational Insight: Why Abstract Art Heals
Collectors and consultants often ask, “Why does abstract art feel more peaceful than a realistic landscape?” The answer lies in Cognitive Ease.
Open Interpretation: Abstract art doesn’t tell you what to think; it asks you how you feel. In modern abstract art, the brain stops “labeling” and starts “feeling.”
The Power of Blue: Blue is scientifically proven to slow the heart rate. By using Payne’s Gray and Turquoise, I am tapping into a biological response to the sky and sea.
Scale and Presence: A large-scale work (like 60″ x 40″) creates “Visual Enclosure.” It fills your peripheral vision, effectively blocking out the “noise” of the rest of the room.
The Connected Journey
When I pair these two works, a story emerges. We see the journey from grounded, Arctic stillness to the rhythmic, coastal flow of the California coast. For interior designers and hospitality consultants, this offers a cohesive narrative:
Glaciers: Grounding, Foundation, and Quiet Reflection.
Laguna Bay: Movement, Vitality, and Emotional Healing.
What Moves Your Heart?
Art is a deeply personal exchange of energy. I am curious—what type of art moves you? When you look at your walls, are you seeking a burst of joy or a deep sense of serenity?
[BUTTON: DISCOVER YOUR SERENITY] (Link to contact page/inquiry form)
Experience the Work
View in Person: See “Glaciers” at Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles.
Art Licensing: For hospitality and healthcare projects, visit my Licensing Page.
Follow the Magic: See my process on Instagram @clarabertaArt.