Clara Berta

Clara Berta, a Hungarian-American contemporary abstract painter based in Laguna Beach, California, began her journey in art during her studies in Psychology at Antioch University in Culver City, CA, following the loss of her husband. Since 2000, Berta has become known for her large-scale, highly textural paintings that evoke the vibrancy and tranquility of the natural world through organic forms and layered, harmonious colors. Her work is inspired by the dynamic movement and healing power of water, linking her Hungarian heritage—known for its therapeutic thermal springs—with the majesty of the ocean. Deeply aware of art’s transformative and restorative potential, Berta uses layered textures of mixed media and acrylic, creating multi-dimensional pieces that express themes of memory, heritage, love, and grief. Her creative process, influenced by her interest in movement and the body, also reflects her early forays into performance art. In addition to her artistic practice, Berta is an art educator who leads healing workshops for women and teens, where she shares the meditative and expressive benefits of painting. Her work has been exhibited widely across the United States and collected internationally, with her Minimalism series described by curator Dale Youngman as a “respite from the storm,” providing peace in a turbulent world.