Sunrise delight as Vincent Van Gogh hot air balloon flies over Melbourne

The skyline was picture perfect this morning, especially for lovers of fine art, with a hot air balloon of a very famous artist stunning onlookers as it navigated its way across the city. Here’s why.

A Vincent Van Gogh balloon - visiting from Holland - takes flight over Melbourne in the lead up to the King Valley Balloon Festival. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The Melbourne skyline was picture perfect this morning, especially for lovers of fine art.

A Van Gogh hot air balloon stunned onlookers as it navigated its way across the city.

The balloon was digitally printed from one of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh’s famous self portraits — ear intact.

Goldrush Ballooning owner Paul Gibbs said it had proved quite the spectacle.

“It cost 250,000 euros to make 16 years ago, with every single panel individually printed,” Mr Gibbs said.

Vincent Van Gogh took flight over Melbourne this morning. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The sky was clearly delighted, given the pastel hues it threw out. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Purples, pink, coral and blue provided the perfect backdrop. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Van Gogh was complete with his ear. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The balloon was modelled off the painter’s self-potrait. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The balloon crept across the city as many slept. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The Dutch post-impressionist painter was on of the most influential figures of Western art history. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Flames light up the dark sky in preparation for lift-off. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The calm before the accent. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A five-time Australian hot air ballooning champion, Mr Gibbs will be among scores of pilots to take to the sky at the King Valley Balloon Festival from June 7 - 10.

Located in Victoria’s high country, the event will feature up to 20 balloons with spectators invited to take a flight or enjoy the food and wine from the region.

kingvalleyballoonfestival.com.au