Hop for Hope

It’s not often you get asked to paint a larger than life-sized kangaroo, but that was the brief for Elise Martinson when she was selected as one of 40 artists and identities to paint a kangaroo for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation Hop for Hope charity event.

The brief called for artists to interpret the theme of ‘hope’ in their own style.

‘I chose to use a combination of bright colours and birds, insects, flowing shapes and flowers all flourishing along the kangaroo’s body to represent life, optimism and looking forward to a better tomorrow’, Elise said. Elise also incorporated the word ‘hope’ in many different languages throughout the work, even including a raised braille translation on the left ear.

Elise, her flatmate and her less than helpful assistant Alfie the dog, shared their flat with ‘Jill’ the kangaroo for over a month. As you will see from the time-lapse below, the work incorporates beautiful hand-painted detail, taking over 50 hours to complete.

The kangaroos will be on exhibition in Hop for Hope from 1 September – 1 November at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in Yarra Glen, Victoria.

If you’d like to make Jill, or any of the other kangaroos yours, make a bid in the online auction with proceeds going to this very worthy charity.

Watch the amazing time lapse video of Elise painting Jill here.

Good news Elise's Kangaroo raised $5,750. All funds will go towards protecting children from violence