TONGA'S King George Tupou V visited the gallery of Sydney artist, Charles Billich on Tuesday, October 20 to see one of four portraits of himself that he commissioned the artist to paint.

The ABC News reporter Danuta Kozaki reported that the artist's painting of the king was a "formal and dignified portrait." Danuta is known for his painting of naked women.

He said the king was welcomed at the gallery by an Australian-Tongan, Lorna Tonga, who sang the national anthem of both countries before the king looked at one of the portraits on display.

Artist Charles Billich said he was honoured to be selected to draw the portrait of the king of Tonga.

"God knows for what reasons but probably because he felt there was something about my approach to portraiture, which was suitable for his sensibilities, I can extrapolate the character from a person."

Pleased

The king himself said he was very pleased with the pictures.

"Well, the thing is a lot of artists are actually better than what they think they are. Donatello for example was apprenticed as plasterer, Michelangelo thought he was a sculptor. Charles Billich, I like his drawings better than his paintings."

There was also talk at the event about the democratic elections to be held in Tonga at the end of November, and the king was asked how he felt about it.

"Its the culmination of everything I have worked for in my life to have a democratic government."