ADELAIDE star Andrew McLeod has been 'immortalised' on canvas in a stunning piece by Adelaide-based artist Megan Roodenrys.
The oil-based painting took three weeks to complete and is Roodenrys' first sports-related work. It was a commission of sorts between Richmond Road Studios, where Roodenrys is based, and Adelaide Football Club to celebrate McLeod's 300th AFL game, which he is set to play on Sunday at AAMI Stadium against Richmond.
The painting, titled Saltwater Man, depicts McLeod at Darwin's East Point Reserve, a former defence force base in the city's northern suburbs. The pose was how McLeod sees himself outside of football. The champion footballer's mother's origins is from the Torres Strait Islands, saltwater country.
Roodenrys is no sports fan. She had no idea who McLeod was, or much idea about football.
"That can be better because there's no preconceived ideas coming into it and you have two blank canvases to work from," Roodenrys said. "You have to try and get the idea of who that person is and it is also about how they see themselves. The challenge was to try and 'capture' him and I think I've done that.
"His dad actually rang me today (Thursday) to say how much he liked it. I know Andrew likes it. At the end of the exercise, all I can do is paint what my perception of him is."
The original piece, measuring 167cm x 137cm, will go on auction at a pre-match function on Sunday. Afterwards, 23 100cm x 71cm (approx.) canvas reproductions will be made available for sale.
* Contact Adelaide Football Club's merchandise manager Joel Marsh on (08) 8440 6601 or jmarsh@afc.com.au for more information on the sale of the items.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Friday, August 8, 2008
Last Modified on 08/08/2008 01:43