About Davina

Davina Bosanquet (b.1981) is an award winning contemporary British artist recognised for her work in portraiture and wildlife conservation. More recently she is gaining attention for her abstract work exploring the intersections of cultural identity, human experience, and the natural world.

Her richly layered paintings—created using mixed media, acrylic, oil, and sometimes textiles—carry an expressive, intuitive energy. Loose backgrounds and lively mark-making blend with realistic figures, allowing her subjects to emerge with spirit and spontaneity.

Davina has exhibited widely in galleries, competitions and fairs in the UK and Cape Town and her portrait work has been commissioned globally.

A Life Between
Worlds

Davina grew up in the countryside surrounded by a menagerie of pets. She has since spent time in many countries in Africa, as well as living in Brazil and South Africa. These places—and the people and animals she encountered along the way—shape the way she sees and paints the world.

Davina is a passionate voice for wildlife causes and has held two solo shows and been part of multiple exhibitions over the last two decades with proceeds going to endangered animals. A finalist eight times at the Wildlife Artist of the Year, and two time winner in her category is testament to her work.

While living in Cape Town, she worked with artists in township communities and co-founded an exhibition space at Ikhaya la Langa.

The Art of Play

After studying illustration in Edinburgh and Bournemouth and traditional portrait painting in London, Davina returned to her own creative instincts—experimenting with colour, texture, and movement.

Her current series celebrates the joy of everyday life: the energy of children, the loyalty of animals, and the quiet magic of nature. Taking inspiration from her own life alongside two small children, husband and family dogs, Calvin and Leia.

Whether through a vibrant canvas or a delicate pencil sketch, her goal is to create moments of beauty and connection that uplift both the viewer and the cause they support.

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SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

Art for Youth London was established in 1988 by Diana Brooks MBE as a platform for emerging artists and a fundraising exhibition in support of the UK charity, UK Youth. 

This exhibition showcases a collection of recent works exploring themes of identity and place.

Participated in a group exhibition featuring emerging artists.

Featured work at the annual international art fair.

This exhibition showcases a collection of recent works exploring themes of identity and place.

This exhibition showcases a collection of recent works exploring themes of identity and place.

Davina was asked to take part in 'Realms of Hope ' along with 5 other finalists and winners of the Wildlife Artist of the Year, in collaboration with Art 4 Conservation and in support of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. This event took place at the Oxo Tower in London.

Davina's solo exhibition Patterns in Nature showcased over 30 pieces from her time living in Brazil and South Africa. The exhibition was in support of NEX jaguar reserve, Brazil and AfriCat, Namibia. The show almost sold out and she was delighted to give 10% of the proceeds to these wonderful organisations.

RECOGNITION

Wildlife Artist of the Year Finalist 2009 - 2024

Wildlife Artist of the Year Category Winner 2013, 2020

Wildlife Artist of the Year
Guest Artist 2014

Sketch for Survival Guest Artist 2025

Sketch for Survival Finalist
2021, 2022, 2023

Society of Equestrian Artists Curwin Award 2009

Giving Back Through Art

Davina’s commitment to conservation and community-building is at the heart of her creative practice. Many of Davina’s exhibitions have donated a portion (or all) of the proceeds to these causes, and her work continues to raise awareness for species protection and creative education initiatives.

BENEFICIARIES

AS SEEN IN

House and Garden Magazine Logo
25 Beautiful Homes Magazine Logo
Ealing Living Magazine Logo
Artist and Illustrators Magazine Logo
GABON Magazine logo

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