When he decided to become a painter, he returned to Norway to study at the Beaux-Arts d'Oslo, then to Paris under the guidance of Bougeureau, Fernand Cormon and Boulanger.
He made his debut in the Salons in 1887, and had his first solo exhibition in 1900.

He even received an honorable mention at the Paris Salon.
Dornberger quickly made a name for himself in the art world.
He made friends with Munch and Gallen Kallela (whose portrait they painted). But also with the French literati, Verlaine, Zola...

The artist spent some time in Paris and Montmartre, where he was influenced by the Impressionists and Toulouse-Lautrec.

Most of the artist's work is inspired by his surroundings, a small Norwegian port town.
Although he is only moderately fond of snow, it follows him in many of his paintings.

Landscapes with broad perspectives and beautiful light.