ARTISTS are always trying out new techniques and materials, but for Ellie Fane painting on a zebra was a whole new challenge.

The 51-year-old, who is used to creating pieces for the world famous Highclere Castle, was invited to join the mass art extravaganza of Marwell Zoo’s Zany Zebra trail.

Following on from the success of the zoo’s Go! Rhino trail, the Zany Zebras will take over Southampton for 10 weeks from July 16, to help raise funds for the critically endangered Grevy’s zebra.

Ms Fane, from Ashmansworth, has been selected from hundreds of artists to have her artwork feature on one of the zebra sculptures.

“Marwell got in touch with the people from Highclere Castle and asked if their artist would like to take part in the project and, of course, I said yes,” said the mum-of-two.

“Most of the time when people ask me what I’m working on it is usually something for the castle, but for me to tell my friends I’m painting on a lifesized zebra is something a bit different.”

Ms Fane’s zebra was inspired by spending time down on Southampton’s coast with her children, giving her piece the working title of ‘Southern Gold’.

“The theme is based on the sailing ships of Southampton,” she added.

“The children painted in the sea are loosely based on images of my own children swimming, which gave me the idea to paint them in the foreground watching the boats sail by.”

As well as featuring on the public trail, a number of the Zany Zebras will be hidden around the zoo.

After the event, the large sculptures will be sold at auction to raise funds to aid with the conservation of the Grevy’s zebras.

Project manager of Marwell’s Zany Zebras, Kirstie Mathieson said: “We are delighted Ellie is part of the Zany Zebras stampede.”