AN ELABORATELY painted female model stopped traffic in Cirencester at the weekend, after standing proudly in the window of a local art gallery.

Award-winning body painter Mona Turnbull chose her favourite piece of art work at a Cirencester gallery to replicate on a model during bank holiday weekend.

Mona visited Surface, a ceramic exhibition held at local gallery Artventure @ Wetpaint, so she could paint directly onto model Rebecca Harwood.

She chose a ceramic and glass form by ceramicist Penny Hill which she was able to copy exactly, using a variety of mixed water based body paints and gelatine for the glass.

Organiser Charlie Hill from Artventure said it was a really great event.

"Mona painted Rebecca upstairs and then she stood in the window downstairs and outside too," said Charlie, who said she would love to get more people to future exhibitions. "She was stopping traffic. People were driving past slowly to look at her and even going round the roundabout and coming back to look."

Wetpaint Gallery, run by Celia Wickham in London Road, has teamed up with Charlie at Artventure, a new business specialising in art events and exhibitions. Wetpaint @ Artventure has opened up as a new pop-up gallery, aiming to bring the best in new art and design to the capital of the Cotswolds.

There will be a range of events alongside the exhibitions, such as beer tasting, burlesque life drawing, small music evenings and children's events.

Since opening as Artventure @ Wetpaint, 11 weeks ago, Artventure has completely transformed the Cirencester gallery by turning it into a pop up space, showcasing work from up and coming artists, running exhibitions and events.

To find out more about upcoming events call 07724 733159.