Diane McLean studied at Rhodes University and graduated with BFA (distinction in painting) in 1984, followed by MFA in 1988. Since 1984 she has had two solo exhibitions, several two-person and three-person shows, and has been represented on many group shows and art fairs around the country.

Among other publications McLean’s work has featured in Fair Lady, Femina, Sarie, Rooi Rose, House and Leisure, Garden and Home, Country Life, South African Art & Artists and SOUTH magazines. Most notably, a painting of hers featured on the cover of the 2019 winter edition of VISI magazine.

Her work is in private collections in South Africa and abroad, as well as public collections such as William Humphreys Art Gallery, the War Museum in Bloemfontein, Rand Merchant Bank and Wooltru.

She has been commissioned to paint portraits by, among others, the Luthuli Museum, the Women’s Development Bank, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and several South African universities.