ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

My practice explores the porous boundary between the human and non-human world. The places where presence, memory, and relationship intersect. Working primarily in oil, I’m drawn to moments where this divide begins to soften, allowing animals, landscapes, and human experience to exist in quiet conversation rather than hierarchy.

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 South African fine artist working primarily in oil, with a practice rooted in presence, observation and a deep sensitivity to place. Her paintings explore the relationship between the human and non-human world, often using animals and landscapes as a way of considering memory, connection and our relationship with the living world.

Her approach is slow and considered. Rather than focusing solely on literal likeness, Doran’s paintings seek an emotional and atmospheric 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 works shaped by time, attention and care.

Her work has been exhibited and collected both locally and internationally. Recent commissions include a series of nine paintings created for &Beyond’s presence at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas in 2026. In 2022, she was awarded Winner of the Facing Extinction category of 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, followed by a further finalist selection in 2026.

PAST EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS & FEATURES & AWARDS

2026:

  • &Beyond “The Rare Collection”
    Nine commissioned paintings for Virtuoso Travel Week, Las Vegas

  • David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year – Finalist

2025:

  • David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year - Two Finalist Selections

  • Rust en Vrede Portrait Award
    Top 100

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

  • Group Exhibition with the New Artist Collective at Cloud Cafe, De Waterkant, WC.

2024 - 2025:

  • Opening and running of the Joni-Leigh Doran Studio Gallery in McGregor, WC.

2023:

  • Group exhibition “Coalescence” at La Galleria, McGregor, WC

  • Portrait 100 Exhibition at Spier Arts Trust Union House Exhibition Space in Cape Town CBD

  • International Group Exhibition “Contemporary Painting” at The Brick Lane Gallery, Central London.

2022:

2022:

  • Solo Exhibition “Cognisance; an Exhibition of Equine Paintings” at La Galleria McGregor

2020:

  • David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Featured Artist of the Month.

  • South African Artist Magazine - cover and 6 page feature.

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

2019:

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

  • Solo Exhibition at De Wetshof Wine Estate in Robertson, South Africa.

2017:

  • Participated in regular monthly group exhibitions Goldsmith's Gallery / Loop St, Cape Town.

  • "WINGS" group exhibition at Ibis Gallery in Montagu, South Africa.

2016:

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

  • AGOG Gallery Group exhibition "REVERIE" / Johannesburg, South Africa.

  • Singapore / collaborative exhibition with poet Julieta Timane.

Press

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