Sharon Borg Cesareo (pictured above), née Vella De Lucca, born in 1981, is a new and upcoming Maltese artist. When she was a small girl, she spent hours copying pictures from magazines. Her parents quickly noticed her determination and showed her amateur drawings to a close family friend, the very well-known marine artist Edwin Galea.

Mr Galea, intrigued by her drawings, suggested that she hone her talent in a more organised manner under the tutorship of Matthew Cassar with whom she studied fine art for eight years. During the same period, Sharon read for a Diploma in Interior Design and went on to pursue her career in the industry. She kept her art and pictures private, painting only for family and friends. Sharon coupled her love for interior design and art with restoration and hand painting of old pieces of furniture, a line which she still follows professionally today.

Today, Sharon is a full-time mother and is ready to embark on what gives her most satisfaction. Sharon says, “My daughter is my main inspiration, and my love for her is reflected in my paintings through the use of vibrant colours.”

Sharon follows a varied series of artistic styles. The use of a painting knife is clearly seen in her floral works. On the other hand, her figurative art demonstrates smooth, curved strokes, creating movement and sensuality. Although Sharon has experimented with various other mediums in the past, her main preference is oil on canvas. Sharon admits, “I want each painting to have the power to capture the viewer’s eyes for a few seconds!”

Sharon’s first solo exhibition will be sponsored by BOV and will be held at Cleland & Souchet, Portomaso, throughout the month of March. Opening hours are Monday to Friday between 9:30am and 1:30pm and from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday from 10:30am to 1:30pm and 4pm to 8pm. May her first experience encourage her to pursue her art and continue on her journey as an artist.