June Mendoza facts for kids

June Yvonne Mendoza (born June 12, 1924 – died May 15, 2024) was a famous Australian artist. She was best known for painting portraits, mostly using oil paints. A portrait is a painting of a person. She received special honors like the Order of Australia (AO) and the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her amazing art.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

June Mendoza was born in Melbourne, Australia, on June 12, 1924. Her parents, John Morton and Dot, were both musicians. Her father played the violin, and her mother played the piano. June's younger brother, Peter Mendoza, became an actor.

As a child, June often traveled with her mother. She sometimes performed small parts in operas, ballets, and musicals. During these trips, she started sketching in her free time. By age 12, she knew that art was what she wanted to do. She began taking art classes at 14, and painting portraits soon became her special talent.

Painting Famous People

June Mendoza painted many important people throughout her career. She created portraits of members of the royal family, such as Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales.

She also painted several prime ministers and other leaders. These included Margaret Thatcher and John Major from the UK, and Corazon Aquino from the Philippines. Her work also included sports stars, military officers, and other well-known people.

Her paintings are kept in many important places. Some of these include the National Portrait Gallery, London and the Palace of Westminster in London. Her art can also be found in several famous colleges, like Girton College, Cambridge and Trinity College, Oxford.

June Mendoza was even a guest on the BBC Radio show Desert Island Discs in 1979. Later, in 1985, she painted a portrait of the show's presenter, Roy Plomley.

Personal Life

In 1960, June Mendoza married Keith Mackrell. She joined him when he worked overseas. They lived in the Philippines from 1960 to 1965 and in Australia from 1969 to 1973. June and Keith had four children together.

June Mendoza passed away on May 15, 2024, at the age of 99.

Awards and Recognition

June Mendoza received many special awards for her artistic achievements. She was an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). She was also an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). These honors recognize her important contributions to art.

She was a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RP). She was also an Honorary Vice President of the Britain-Australia Society. June Mendoza supported the Tait Memorial Trust, a charity that helps Australian performing artists in London.