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Donald Friend Paintings: The 6 Most Famous, Through a Gallery's Eye
Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 6 works by Donald Friend in our catalogue
In short
To the gallery's eye, Donald Friend's most famous painting is The fortune teller (1956), whose original hangs in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Sofala (1947) and Cairns store (1942) complete the trio every eye recognises. Of the 6 works by Donald Friend in our catalog, the gallery presents the 6 most famous below, each original with its year, its museum and what makes it unique.
1915 – 1989, Cremorne
Most works: Art Gallery of New South Wales
The gallery's top 10 Donald Friend paintings
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Sofala
Sofala: A Tapestry of Trade and Myth Sofala, at present known as Nova Sofala, stands as a testament to Mozambique’s rich maritime history—a crossroads where East African commerce intersected with the ambitions of European explorers and rulers. More than just a port town, it embodies a narrative woven from ancient legends and painstakingly rendered in oil paint by Donald Stuart Leslie Friend. Painted in 1947, this artwork captures not merely…
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The museums that keep Donald Friend's originals
The museum that holds the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Donald Friend | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Art Gallery of New South Wales |
Sydney | 6 | The fortune teller, Sofala, Cairns store |
Donald Friend, the signature paintings of each year
Donald Friend's career on this page runs 15 years, 1942 to 1956: each year appears here with its most famous originals.
Works per year
Pick a year to see its originals.
1947
Sofala
Age 32
1 work this year
Sofala: A Tapestry of Trade and Myth Sofala, at present known as Nova Sofala, stands as a testament to Mozambique’s rich maritime history—a crossroads where East African commerce intersected with the ambitions of European explorers and rulers. More than just a port town, it embodies a narrative woven from ancient legends and painstakingly rendered in oil paint by Donald Stuart Leslie Friend. Painted in 1947, this artwork captures not merely…
Donald Friend's paintings: the gallery answers
Which Donald Friend painting is the most famous of all?Reveal the answer
The fortune teller (1956), Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Sofala (1947) and Cairns store (1942) come next.
How old was Donald Friend on completing The fortune teller?Reveal the answer
41 years old: The fortune teller dates from 1956, and Donald Friend was born in 1915.
How many works did Donald Friend create?Reveal the answer
Our catalog holds 6 works by Donald Friend, dated from 1942 to 1956.
Where do Donald Friend's most famous originals hang?Reveal the answer
Mostly in Art Gallery of New South Wales (Sydney). The museum table above lists them all.
Which are Donald Friend's earliest and latest famous works?Reveal the answer
On this page, the earliest is Cairns store (1942) and the latest The fortune teller (1956).
Which Donald Friend originals does the Art Gallery of New South Wales hold?Reveal the answer
The fortune teller, Sofala and Cairns store: the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney holds 6 of the works on this page.
Donald Friend: the artist
Donald Stuart Leslie Friend: A Life in Art
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
- Born: February 6, 1915, in Cremorne, Sydney, Australia.
- Donald Stuart Leslie Friend’s artistic journey commenced at the Royal Art Society in 1930 under the tutelage of Sydney Long.
- His early exposure to art laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to painting and drawing.
Artistic Evolution and Influences
- Friend furthered his education at the Westminster School in London (1936), where he was influenced by Bernard Meninsky and Mark Gertler.
- A pivotal period of artistic growth occurred during his travels to Nigeria (1937-1939). This experience profoundly impacted his perspective and style.
- Upon returning to Sydney, he became an integral part of the Merioola Group, known for its eclectic and diverse approach to art.
Military Service and Artistic Expression
- Enlisting with the Australian Military Forces in 1942, Friend documented his wartime experiences in a diary.
- Gunner’s Diary, published posthumously, showcased not only his artistic talent but also his ability to capture the realities of war with humor and insight.
- His military service provided unique subject matter that informed much of his later work.
Notable Works and Artistic Style
- Stable at Cuenca stands as a notable example reflecting his time in the military, demonstrating his ability to blend realism with emotional depth.
- His drawings and watercolors on paper are highly regarded for their unique style, often inspired by his travels and personal experiences.
- Friend’s work is characterized by vibrant colors, expressive lines, and a keen observation of the world around him.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- Donald Friend's legacy extends beyond his art; his diaries offer a candid glimpse into his life and artistic process.
- Published by the National Library of Australia, these diaries provide valuable insights into Australian society and culture during the 20th century.
- He remains an important figure in Australian art history, celebrated for his unique perspective and enduring contributions to watercolor painting and travel sketching.