My name is Doranne Alden Caruana. I am 52 years of age, and a professional Artist, Art Tutor and Graphic Designer. I began my artistic career over 30 years ago as a trainee Graphic Designer and went on to own my own design company. Which I sold my share in the company in the early 90’s to move to Germany with my then young family, where I then began to teach art to adults and exhibit my work for the next 7 years while I live there. On my return to Malta I was offered a chance to carry on with my art tutoring at a private school and since then have taken it up quite seriously teaching both children and adults at beginner and intermediate levels. Recently I have turned my teaching to more specialised groups of foreigners whom I host at my private home on the island of Gozo where I offer art workshops and painting holidays. At the same time I still exhibit my work from time to time and have accumulated a list of over 55 exhibitions, though many are collectives I have also held several solos and joint shows too. My work has appeared in local and international art magazines and newspapers and has been received with positive acclaim. While once again in Malta my work has been shown on local TV where I have been interviewed on my exhibitions and also participated in a couple of art related programmes.
Whose artist’s work are you most inspired by?
Over the years I have been influenced by many artists but in my early works there is a greatly influenced by the impressionists, notably by Gaugin, Cezanne and Matisse but in recent years I find myself drawn to Singer Sargent’s watercolours and also Sorolla Bastida.
Describe your work in less than 10 words.
My work is said to be bold, vibrant, and positive.
What genre do you consider your work to be?
Expressionist and impressionist – a mix of both.
Your favourite from among your own artworks?
I would think that the protrait of my neighbour’s daughter – ‘The Easter Bouquet’ would probably be my all time favourite. Though I think I have many more if I had to go through my accumulated works.
Where was your first exhibition held?
My first solo was held in Wessoburn in Bavaria in Germany.
What are you working on at the moment?
Several things but my constant connection with watercolour still takes me to experimenting with several water-based techniques which help me to express my work at better level than previously.
How long have you been painting?
I have been painting ever since I can remember but I started going to art school at the age of 14 years. That was around 38 years ago.
Are you a morning person or do you come alive at night?
I have always been a night person when it comes to painting but I have pushed my boundaries and can now paint anytime of the day.
How many coffees a day? Don’t embellish.
Sometimes one – am more of a Tea person.
Sundays can be very productive for some and very unproductive for others. How do you spend yours?
I typically will still find time to paint and it not I would be out with my camera somewhere in the afternoon taking some photos to work from later during the week.
Wine and cheese. Yes or no?
Yes, very much.
If you were given a million euros, what would you indulge yourself with?
I would buy myself a little spot by the sea and make sure it is full of light and has a bed and all my art supplies.
Favourite place to holiday?
Italy – All of it… love the south and the islands and its coasts in particular.
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