Oprah asked to strip and have body painted Media Man Int

Oprah asked to strip and have her body painted - 23rd September 2010
(Credit: The Australian)

An Australian artist will ask American TV talk show queen Oprah Winfrey to strip off and have her body painted for charity when she comes Down Under in December.

Sydney body painter and make-up artist Eva Rinaldi has started an international campaign to get the huge star to agree to being tastefully painted with Australian icons, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, while wearing only a bikini, the Mosman Daily reports.

The stunt would not only be for a kick but to also raise money for a worthy cause of Winfreys choice, Rinaldi said.

Winfrey will film at least two episodes of her talk show during her stay, including one at the Sydney Opera House when the iconic building will be transformed into the Sydney Oprah House.

"Im a huge fan," Rinaldi said. "I have always wanted to body paint her."

This Saturday, a Winfrey look-a-like will be body painted as a lifesaver at Bondi Beach in Sydney to promote the challenge.

Rinaldi is also planning to ask Australian celebrities, including Nicole Kidman and good friend Russell Crowe, to be painted.

She has already painted US singers Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.

Former tourism boss John Brown has praised the promotion as an opportunity to match the buzz of Paul Hogan's "shrimp on the barbie" campaign.