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The painter, Anastasiia Doro
November 2025. An interview with a delightful artist
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing the painter Anastasiia Doro for our magazine infos spectacles loisirs, to introduce you to this artist, if you are not already familiar with her.
Hello Anastasiia Doro and thank you for sharing a little time with me to get to know you better, firstly the woman but also the painter and all your work. Can I call you by your first name to make the interview more conversational?
- D.H – Could you tell us a little about yourself, the artist, the woman, and the story that brought you to France?
Anastasiia : I was born in the beautiful city of Odessa, on the Black Sea.
I began traveling very early in life. My first steps were on the deck of a large passenger ship, where my father worked at the time.
Since then, I’ve visited many places, each one offering its own rhythm, its own kind of beauty. These journeys gave me invaluable life experience and became a source of deep inspiration.
In March 2022, just after the war began in Ukraine, I came to France. Leaving my country was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made-a profound and sudden shift in my life.
I didn’t set out to begin an artistic career here. But so many intense emotions were building inside me, it soon became impossible not to express them.
Art became my way of entering another reality, a space where I could breathe, feel, and transform what was happening inside me.
When I paint, and I’m truly inspired, I experience a kind of deep happiness, a state of flow that sometimes becomes a form of salvation.
- D.H – When did you first feel that you really wanted to become a painter?
Anastasiia : For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to create something unique.
I was a curious child, deeply sensitive to beauty. I spent a lot of time in nature, writing poems, inventing stories, painting, listening to music.
To me, beauty and creativity were one and the same as a single, shimmering source of joy.
The world felt magical, full of hidden adventures waiting to be discovered.
Although I’ve been painting since childhood, it was here, in France, that I truly realized painting is my calling, something I want to dedicate myself too completely.
I’m especially passionate about abstract art, because it offers such deep freedom for imagination.
It can be challenging to create something that doesn’t exist in the material world, but that’s also where excitement lies for me.
Painting, for me, is a unique artistic language one that allows a direct, even sacred, conversation with the viewer’s soul.
- D.H – Why did you choose France, and more especially Paris, to develop your art? What drew you here?
Anastasiia : It happened that I had the chance to come to France after the war began in Ukraine.
I had visited this country before, and if I were to choose a place deliberately to begin an artistic life, I couldn’t imagine a better one.
As I mentioned, I now live close to Paris, and I love visiting the city, feeling its vibrant energy.
Spending time in its museums and galleries, being surrounded by so much history, culture, and creativity, it’s an endless source of inspiration. For an artist, it’ more than one could wish for.
My personal story inevitably weaves itself into my work. Every painting holds a part of me my soul, my memories, my energy.
It happens quietly, even subconsciously, but it’s always there like a current running beneath the surface.
- D.H – Where do your inspirations come from?
Anastasiia : Inspiration comes to me from many aspects of life.
A crack in the pavement, a branch reaching into the sky, the curve of a flower any small detail can suddenly spark something in me, becoming the seed of a new painting.
I love being close to nature, spending time in stillness, in observation.
Painting has changed the way I see the world, it has deepened my perception, made life feel richer, more layered.
Now I notice details I would have missed years ago. Shapes, colors, textures, they quietly reveal themselves, and new dimensions begin to open.
I often listen to music while I paint. It brings me into a special state of mind, one that feels essential to creating. It’s like crossing into a space where emotion and vision meet.
There are times when I don’t paint for days or even weeks, but I can feel the creative process continuing inside me.
And then, suddenly, there comes a moment when it becomes almost unbearable not to paint.
An inner urgency rises, a need to release the flow of emotion, to give it form, to let it speak.
- D.H – If one of your paintings could speak, what would it say about you?
Anastasiia : If my paintings could speak, they might say that I was the portal, the channel through which they entered this world.
That I gave them shape, a heartbeat, a presence in reality.
They would say I allowed them to exist, to breathe, to vibrate, to be seen.
That I didn’t control them, but listened carefully, letting them guide me with their own hidden voices.
They might say I was patient, that I gave space for the invisible to emerge.
And maybe, in their own quiet language, they would thank me for letting them be born.
- D.H – If you had to describe your art in just one word, which one would you choose and why that word?
Anastasiia : The word is freedom.
- Freedom for imagination.
- Freedom to create without limits.
- Freedom to follow emotion, instinct, and intuition.
- Freedom to do what I love to express what cannot always be said in words.
- Freedom to bring joy, to invite reflection, to share silence.
- And above all, freedom to live fully, honestly, and creatively.
For me, painting is not only an artistic act; It is an act of liberation.
7. D.H – Does art play a special role in your life, beyond the creative side of things? Does painting help you get through certain moments, feel more at peace,
or closer to yourself?
Anastasiia : The more I dedicate myself to art, the more essential it becomes in my life.
To paint, I need to enter a special state of mind, something close to meditation, a quiet space within.
It’s not always easy, especially in a world overwhelmed by pain and chaos.
But when an idea finds me, when inspiration stirs, I begin to travel to a different world,
a world of magic, of dreams and discovery.
In that space, I feel more whole as if something hidden within me comes gently to the surface.
I hope that what is born there, in silence and emotion, can reach beyond me, that through each painting, a quiet truth is shared, one that speaks not only to the eyes, but softly, to the soul.
- D.H – How do you choose the colors and final form of your paintings? Is it very thoughtful and planned, or more instinctive, or maybe a mix of both?
Anastasiia : There is always an idea that inspires me something that stirs inside and asks to be expressed.
It might begin as an emotion, an image, or a sensation. That initial spark is what brings me to the canvas.
But for me, too much planning can create distance. Overthinking can lead to hesitation, and the energy begins to fade.
The best way is to begin while the feeling is still alive, to trust that the rest will come.
Often, I choose colors and shapes spontaneously, guided by intuition rather than logic. It’s like listening to something wordless, letting it lead the way.
The final painting is often very different from what I imagined at the start and that, to me, is one of the most beautiful parts of the process.
That surprise, that transformation, is where the magic happens.
- D.H – Is there a piece you found particularly hard to finish either because it touched something personal, or simply because it took a long time to find its true shape?
Anastasiia : Sometimes, creating a painting feels like an impulse the vision comes clearly, and the work is finished within a few days, or a week.
But there are also moments when the process is much slower, more uncertain, more delicate.
There have been paintings that stayed in my studio for weeks, even months, untouched as if waiting for something to shift inside me.
I would look at them often, knowing they weren’t complete, but not yet feeling ready to continue.
Then suddenly, almost without warning, the moment arrives in a quiet urgency, a clear direction.
And what felt impossible the day before becomes effortless. The painting finds its form, its voice, and it feels as though it was always meant to be that way.
That mystery, the unpredictability of the process is something I’ve learned to respect.
Each painting has its own rhythm, and I simply try to listen.
- D.H – Of all your creations, is there one or several that hold a special place in your heart? Are they linked to a particular moment, person, or feeling?
Anastasiia : All my artworks, without exception, hold a part of my energy.
They may not be tied to specific people or events, but each one reflects my inner state a moment of emotion, a shift in perception, a part of myself I chose to reveal.
It’s hard to name one as more important than the others.
But there is a painting I keep in my room the first one I created here in France.
It holds something different. Something is unforgettable.
I remember that day clearly I was overwhelmed by a kaleidoscope of emotions, and without even realizing it, I began to paint.
There was no hesitation, no planning just a need so strong it carried me straight to the canvas.
It felt like freedom, like release. As if inspiration opened a door to a parallel reality, I stepped through it.
And every time I begin a new painting, I search for that same feeling again that moment when creation becomes a kind of liberation.
- D.H – Can you walk us through a typical day in your studio? What does your day look like? How does it start? Do you have any little rituals you enjoy?
Anastasiia : Morning is a very important part of the day for me it sets the tone for everything that follows.
So it must be pleasant, grounding, and energizing. I start with a cup of coffee, strong and hot, prepared in my own way, just the way I like it.
There’s something comforting in that little ritual. It’s a quiet moment that belongs only to me.
Communicating with nature is also essential. Throughout the day, I like to step outside to listen to birds singing, to tend a bit to my garden, to observe the flowers, the sky, and the movement of light.
These simple moments bring me back to myself.
I do my gymnastics every day, no matter how full the day is. It’s another way of connecting to the body and to energy.
I prefer to paint in the morning or early afternoon, when the light is still strong and clear.
But I never begin unless I feel ready, energetically prepared, emotionally open.
For me, painting begins not with a brush, but with a certain inner state a sense of clarity, of presence, of being charged with something I want to give.
- D.H – Where and how do you prefer to exhibit your work? In galleries, art fairs, your own studio, online? And when you sell a painting, is it a relief, a source of pride,
or sometimes even a bittersweet moment?
Anastasiia : I enjoy exhibiting my work in different spaces, but especially during art fairs like the Art3F Salon International, which has been a truly enriching experience.
There’s something special about being able to interact directly with viewers, to see their reactions, to feel their energy, and to meet other artists walking their own creative paths.
I also share my work online, which opens it to a much wider audience of people from different places and cultures, some of whom might never step into a gallery but still connect deeply with art.
Collaborating with a gallery is something I’m open to as well. It’s a beautiful perspective, and I believe such partnerships can offer new possibilities and new conversations.
As for selling a painting, yes, it’s always a mix of emotions. Every piece I create carries a part of me. Some of them live with me for a while, hanging on the walls of my home, becoming part of the atmosphere I move through each day.
I feel their energy in the space how they quietly vibrate, even when I’m not looking at them. So when I take one down, there’s often a small emptiness.
But with that emptiness comes something else the desire to create again, to fill the space with new color, new feeling, new life.
And of course, I feel joy and pride. Knowing that my painting will bring light to someone else’s world that it will go on breathing and vibrating in another home, that is a gift. That is why I paint. In the end, all the emotions are there but together, they become deeply positive.
- D.H – Do you use social media to share your work? How do you see this digital window into your work – as an essential tool, a source of stress, or simply a way to stay connected with your audience?
Anastasiia : Yes, like many artists today, I use social media to share my creations. It’s a way to stay connected with those who follow my artistic journey, to exchange thoughts and inspirations, and to discover the works of other artists as well.
I see it as an essential tool, not only for communication but also for visibility, for opening new opportunities, and for reaching people who may never pass by a gallery but who can still feel touched by a painting on their screen.
Of course, it’s a virtual space, and sometimes I miss the intimacy of face-to-face connection.
But when used with intention, social media becomes a bridge between souls, between stories, between distant corners of the world. It allows art to travel far beyond walls, and that, I believe, is something truly valuable.
- D.H – How do you feel when people see your work today? Have you been surprised by some reactions or interpretations viewers have had of your paintings?
Anastasiia : One of the most exciting and rewarding moments for me as an artist is witnessing people’s reactions to my work. Each response is unique, sometimes unexpected, and often deeply moving.
I pay attention to how people respond online, of course, but it’s during live exhibitions, when the paintings can be experienced in their full presence, that I receive the most touching and authentic feedback.
I remember someone once told me: “The more I look at your work, the more I get mesmerized.” Comments like this fill me with joy and inspiration. They remind me that I’m on the right path.
My hope is always to create a space for the viewer even for a few seconds to pause, to stop thinking, to simply observe. If I can offer the mind a moment of rest through beauty and emotion, then my art has fulfilled its purpose.
- D.H – Now looking ahead, what are your next projects? How do you picture yourself in a few years, both as an artist and as a person? If there were no material or technical limits, what would be your dream artistic project?
Anastasiia : Looking ahead, I see myself continuing to grow as an artist, reaching new audiences, and sharing my work in more spaces galleries, art fairs, and perhaps even my own dedicated gallery one day. I hope to collaborate with other artists, explore new techniques, and push the boundaries of my imagination.
As a person, I envision myself to be happy, inspired, and confident fully immersed in creation, open to new experiences, and attuned to the beauty in life.
If there were no limits, my dream project would be something immersive and expansive a space where viewers could step into a painting, walk among color, light, and form, and experience the energy of my work in a living, breathing environment.
A place where art and emotion merge, inviting everyone to pause, feel, and connect.
For now, each new painting, each series, each exhibition is a step toward that vision, a way to keep exploring, expressing, and sharing the flow of inspiration that drives me.
- D.H – Looking back, are there other artistic fields you’d like to explore different techniques, supports, or even disciplines?
Anastasiia : Yes, I’ve often found myself drawn to other forms of artistic expression. As a child and teenager, I explored writing short stories and sometimes poems, and I occasionally still enjoy creating in words.
There was also a brief experience with stage performance: acting in school plays, participating in competitions, even winning some prizes. At sixteen, I had a short experience as a TV presenter on a local channel.
Though none of these became my career, they left a lasting impression. I was captivated by the energy of performing, by the interaction with an audience, and by the unique emotions it can evoke something I also seek in painting.
Now, my life is devoted to painting, which has become my true calling, but I remain curious. Perhaps one day I will write a book, or if an interesting opportunity arose to act in a film or theater project, I would embrace it.
Artistic expressions can take many forms, and I am open to exploring them whenever inspiration calls.
- D.H : If you had one message to leave with everyone discovering your work for the first time, what would it be?
Anastasiia : If I could leave a single message for those encountering my work, it would be this: take a moment to pause, to feel, and to let yourself be carried by the colors and forms. My paintings are not just images on a canvas, they are a reflection of emotion, energy, and a state of being.
I hope that anyone who sees my work can experience a small pause from the busyness of life, a quiet moment to breathe, to observe, and perhaps to connect with something deeper within themselves. Art, for me, is a conversation, a sacred space where the soul can meet the soul.
I would like viewers to know that every painting carries a part of me but also has the freedom to live and speak in its own way for each person. My hope is that it brings curiosity, inspiration, and a gentle joy and perhaps even a little spark that encourages them to see the world with fresh eyes.
- D.H – Thank you, Anastasiia, for this pleasant interview, and I think we’ll meet soon at one of your upcoming events.
Anastasiia : Thank you so much Dominique to inviting me for this interview and it will be a pleasure to see you again at a future trade fair.
Quotes taken from an interview with Anastasiia Doro, conducted by Dominique Henry on November 18, 2025,
for the magazine Infos Spectacles & Loisirs
Photos kindly provided by Anastasiia Doro.
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