The Artistry of Angelyne

Billboard queen Angelyne is taking on a new role: that of artist. She is both the subject and the painter behind “Angelyne: Self Portraits,” a new show at the Artluxe Gallery in Los Angeles.

The 30 Day-Glo and glitter portraits of this city’s most famous painted lady are as colorful as the subject. In each, Angelyne appears au naturel (or as natural as she can get). Her bod is bodacious, her hair falls in golden curlicues, and her eyelashes would put Tammy Faye to shame.

The artist’s style is childlike, almost innocent, despite the tawdry subject. And the figures resemble those a young girl might doodle in a grade-school notebook.

“Even though they are kind of cartoon-y, there is some talent there. The compositions are all very balanced. Besides, Angelyne is the only one who could pull off using neon paint,” explains gallery director Richard Cabo.

Paintings start at $1,500. Don’t miss the accompanying video, a dizzying swirl of black leather and leopard bustiers, teddy bears and pink Corvettes, all set against Hollywood’s boulevards.

It’s not hard to see how Angelyne chose her subject: “She’s all about herself,” Cabo says. “She’s a self-promoted Hollywood icon--or landmark.”

You make the call.

“Angelyne: Self Portraits,” Artluxe Gallery, 7005 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 930-2407. Ends Feb. 12.