The radiant smile, warm heart and painting talent of Diane McDonald will live long in her works.

Diane passed away after the most courageous of battles against cancer in June 2022.

The vibrant colours and positive themes in her artwork are a true reflection of the personality of the Brisbane-based artist.

Diane enjoyed a life-long love affair with art and revelled in being able to turn her full attention  to her passion more than a decade ago. She is a two-time prestigious Glover Prize finalist and has staged four very successful solo exhibitions.

Diane worked from her home studio in the Bayside after previously residing in the The Gap, where she took inspiration from the leafy natural surrounds and life itself.

"I love colour - it always makes you feel happy and the world needs more of that," Diane said. "There is enough doom and gloom out there. I like to see the positives in the world - I always have and always will.

"Working at my art was something that I always wanted to do but life takes you in different directions. It is a wonderful thing to discover who you really are and pour out the creative things that you have held inside you for so long."

Diane had a deep fascination and love of Australian landscapes, which is often reflected in her works. From day trips to longer holidays, everything she saw was a potential artwork in the making.

"The arts world is just wonderful to be involved in, and I always look at it as a privilege to be able to produce pieces that have a deeply personal connection for so many people," Diane said before her passing.