“Red Dog” is a classic Aussie movie – I’ve seen it now on the plane twice! So it was great pleasure to meet the lead actor “Koko” in Perth last week. Here is the story from Perth now:
RED DOG star Koko the Kelpie has turned his hand (or paw) to modelling, posing for ‘speed painter’ Brad Blaze.
Koko joins a long line of famous faces who have been captured on canvas by the Sydney artist, including Tiger Woods, Eric Bana, Shane Warne and Richie Benaud.
Blaze paints in a blitz lasting just minutes set to high intensity music, and he often includes fire, a spinning canvas and dancing girls in his live act. He was named 2011 Entertainer of the Year in the Australian Event Awards.
“I grew up in the mid seventies watching Mr Squiggle, and I guess part of that has rubbed off on me. It is Mr Squiggle for the 21st century!” said Blaze, who quit his day job in insurance to pursue art full-time.
His works have raised over $500,000 for charity in the past 12 months.
Koko’s portrait has been donated to the Shenton Park Dogs’ Refuge Home which will auction the canvas.
“Koko was fantastic, the best model that I’ve had for a long time. He sat perfectly still, was entranced by the Schmackos and the head rubs and didn’t move,” said Blaze.
To watch the painting in action, visit the Perth Now website: http://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/perth-confidential/koko-poses-for-modern-mr-squiggle/story-e6frg30l-1226187770039