ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

I see painting as a way of articulating what cannot be easily spoken: our deep dependence on natural systems, and the emotional, psychological, and physical nourishment they offer. Whether leaning toward abstraction or representation, my work is guided by an interest in atmosphere and felt experience rather than literal description.

At its core, my practice is an invitation to look more closely. To recognise the interconnection between ourselves and the living world, and to approach that relationship with care, respect, and responsibility.

BIO:

Joni-Leigh Doran is a fine artist based in South Africa, working primarily in oil on an intimate scale. Her practice is rooted in presence, observation, and a deep sensitivity to place; exploring how memory, relationship, and atmosphere can be held within a painting.

Her approach is deep and considered. Rather than focusing on literal likeness, her paintings seek an emotional and felt truth - something quieter, more spacious, and enduring.

Alongside her personal practice, Doran undertakes a limited number of commissions each year, working closely with collectors to create intentional, collaborative pieces shaped by time, attention, and care.

Her work has been exhibited and collected both locally and internationally. In 2022, she was awarded Winner of the Facing Extinction category in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition, presented in association with BBC Wildlife.

In 2025, two of her paintings were selected as finalists in the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year competition, and her self portrait titled “A Safe Place” was selected in the Top 100 of South Africa’s prestigious Portrait Award.

Click here to request a commissions price list.

PAST EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS & FEATURES & AWARDS

September 2025: DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition / Mall Galleries, London, UK

August 2025: Rust en Vrede Portrait Award’s Portrait 100 / Spier Arts Trust, Cape Town CBD

13 June: Group Exhibition “Steadfast Steed” curated by Lauren and Gustav Vink at the Trent Gallery, Pretoria.

May 2025: Group Exhibition with the New Artist Collective at Cloud Cafe, De Waterkant, WC.

April 2024 - May 2025: Opening and running of the Joni-Leigh Doran Studio Gallery in McGregor, WC.

7 October - 29 October 2023: Group exhibition “Coalescence” at La Galleria, McGregor, WC

4 September - 13 October 2023: Portrait 100 Exhibition at Spier Arts Trust Union House Exhibition Space in Cape Town CBD

19th - 30th July 2023: International Group Exhibition “Contemporary Painting” at The Brick Lane Gallery, Central London.

September 2022: Winner in the “Facing Extinction” category of the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition in association with BBC Wildlife.

Jan - Feb 2022: Solo Exhibition “Cognisance; an Exhibition of Equine Paintings” at La Galleria McGregor

September 2020: David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Featured Artist of the Month.

August 2020: South African Artist Magazine - cover and 6 page feature.

June 2020: David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Artist of the Year 2020 Finalist

November 2019: Featured in Saatchi Collection "New This Week 2-11-2019"

Feb 2019 - May 2019: Solo Exhibition at De Wetshof Wine Estate in Robertson, South Africa.

April 2017 - September 2017: participated in regular monthly group exhibitions Goldsmith's Gallery / Loop St, Cape Town.

April 2017 - June 2017: "WINGS" group exhibition at Ibis Gallery in Montagu, South Africa.

October 2016: Familiar Faces: An Exhibition of Portraits, group exhibition at Montagu Museum / Montagu, South Africa.

September 2016: AGOG Gallery Group exhibition "REVERIE" / Johannesburg, South Africa.

February 2016: Singapore / collaborative exhibition with poet Julieta Timane.

Press

NGO’s and Non Profits proudly supported by
Joni-Leigh through painting sales: