Alexander Downer portrait by Queen’s portrait artist June Mendoza revealed

He was famously photographed in fishnet stockings and stilettos. Now Alexander Downer has been painted by the Queen’s artist. See the result.

She’s painted the late Queen, presidents and celebrities.

And now the doyenne of portraits has committed to canvas former Australian High Commissioner to the UK Alexander Downer.

Artist June Mendoza’s representation of the former Liberal Party leader was the fruits of five two-hour painting sessions at her London home.

“Once you start painting someone, you just can’t stop,” the 98-year-old, who was born in Melbourne, said.

June Mendoza with her portrait of Alexander Downer. Picture: Supplied

The portrait, which projects poise and happiness, will hang at The Royal Over-Seas League club, alongside Mr Downer’s fellow former chairmen.

“I don’t mind it all but it’s hard to be objective about one self,” Mr Downer said.

“I have to say it was a true test of my patience, sitting for the portrait, but she’s a very accomplished artist and it does look like me.

“If it’s hung in the bar (at The Royal Over-Seas League club) I shall be looking down to see who’s drinking too much.”

Alexander Downer photographed in 1996 wearing fishnet stockings and leopard-skin stilettos for a charity.

Ms Mendoza has committed the Queen to canvas five times. She has also done three Prince Philips, three King Charleses (when he was Prince of Wales), two Princess Dianas and one of the Queen Mother.

Ms Mendoza has painted 300 subjects over six decades including Sammy Davis Jnr, former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, James Bond actor Sean Connery, Dame Judi Dench, and erstwhile comedian and actor Frankie Howerd.

Artist June Mendoza with one of her portraits of Queen Elizabeth. Supplied

She never used to admit her age, but now she’s inching towards 100 she’s stopped caring.

She is still chic, affable and has plenty of stamina, racing to the homes of her sitters in her little Suzuki car.

The daughter of professional musicians, it was clear from a very early age that she had a predilection for depicting the human face.

Now this is a remarkable Australian! Portrait artist June Mendoza who painted 5 portraits of the Queen is still working aged 98 pic.twitter.com/vvXH1vLqrV

— Alexander Downer (@AlexanderDowner) September 16, 2022

She painted her first portrait at 13 and was encouraged to study for two years at the London St Martin’s School of Art before spending a few years as an actress in the West End.

After marrying, June travelled extensively with her husband and painted portraits throughout. She has lived in the Far East and Australia.

Her works are in public and private collections around the world, including the London National Portrait Gallery.

Originally published as Alexander Downer portrait by Queen’s portrait artist June Mendoza revealed