Kylie snarls up traffic

Drivers are hitting their horns as they are held up outside the gallery

A painting of pop star Kylie Minogue wearing gold hotpants has caused tempers to fray among drivers in Brighton, an artist says.

Artist Simon Etheridge, 30, put up the almost-lifesize picture in his own Art Asylum gallery, in Kemp Town, for the Brighton Festival in May.

Since then, he said, motorists have caused regular traffic hold-ups as they stop to take a second look.

He said: "People have been a bit frustrated because as they drive past, they see it and slow down.

'Hitting their horns'

"It's a narrow street and one-way so people are hitting their horns.

"It's caused some amusement for us in the gallery but not for the motorists."

The portrait, which measures one metre by one-and-half metres and has been sold for £895, features Kylie painted in gold and 15 different shades of brown, with glitter.

And at night, the pop star is lit by a large mirror ball.

Mr Etheridge, who moved to Brighton 18 months ago to start painting again, said: "It took me quite a few days to do it but I'm pleased with it and I've got someone who's going to buy it.

"Unfortunately it's not the lady herself because she was pipped to the post - but I would quite willingly do one for her."