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Flying roo gets outback setting

Qantas' Boeing 737-800 featuring art inspired by late indigenous painter Paddy Bedford. Picture: Boeing

Qantas has painted its latest Boeing 737-800 in a colour scheme inspired by the work of late WA indigenous painter Paddy Bedford.

Named Mendoowoorrji, it is the airline's 69th 737-800 and fifth with indigenous livery.

The work is a joint initiative between the airline, Bedford's family and estate, Aboriginal design studio Balarinji and the National Gallery of Australia.

Qantas will take relatives from the Bedford family and his community to Seattle next week to pick up the plane.

Bedford, who was born in 1922 and died in July 2007 aged 85, was hailed as one of Australia's best painters.

He found global acclaim with his innovative approach to the Turkey Creek style of plain ochre and sparse lines pioneered by Rover Thomas and Queenie McKenzie.

He he did not start painting for exhibitions until well into his 70s after a Melbourne art dealer stumbled across some of his discarded paintings bound for the tip at Turkey Creek.

Deeply grounded in traditional lore and ceremonial practice as a senior Gija elder of Jawalyi skin, Bedford enjoyed his rare ventures into the "white fella art world" where he was feted by curators, buyers and admirers.

He cut a fine figure with his silver-tipped cane, stockman's hat and Armani suit he loved to wear to special occasions.

Former Art Gallery of WA director Alan Dodge said at Bedford's passing that he was a real character and one of the greatest Aboriginal artists of our time.

"A lot of people loved him," Mr Dodge said. "He had a wonderful sense of humour and was a very warm person."