City-Art: Reflections

Thursday

City Art Fashion Tales
You're likely familiar with museums or certain art periods that you may draw inspiration from, but what about street artists? I'm not talking about curated galleries that you browse in passing on the city streets. 

I am referring to some of the people who you might see everyday in route to grabbing your favourite coffee; some of whom are multi-talented artists who not only share their passion on the walls of the city, but may also have full-time jobs as anything other than artistic titles.

My appreciation of art and street-style artists comes with a great deal of respect. Depending on where you are, there are stations or lots where you might find such talents. I often pass artists on my way to the next destination with a mere thought of whether the art had the ability to move me in seconds or not. Then, I go back to my focus. Yet, typically I can tell if I like an artist's works within the first few moments. 
London Street art
However, as most things with time there's also an understanding granted along with each prolonged stare. Occasionally an emotional connection might also be obtained when conversing with an artist about their pieces. Evoking passion from their experiences or memories of your own.

I wanted to share some images that I recently took from a London-based artist who drew my caricature; also a couple of people whose talent I love in general, including a Bay area friend, and one of my favourite artists.
City artists London UK
I don't usually like getting my caricature/portraits done, but I love watching them in action! This particular artist was charging a ridiculous price for most all of his quick sketches. After browsing ten or so renderings, sketches, and paintings I commended him on his talents, because I liked his work and used to do caricatures myself. 

Admittedly, I was also in somewhat of a rush, but he convinced me that it would "only take a few minutes," and out of the goodness of this artist's heart I could, in turn, keep the art as a gift. Well, I couldn't argue with that!

I glanced around viewing 4 other folks (all having anxious or serious expressions), getting their live portraits done. With 5 minutes to spare it seemed very reasonable. This was an interesting day anyway, so I sat down. The end result was fine to me and the artist kept his end of the bargain allowing me to keep my rather cool-comical artwork. In exchange, I left a token of my appreciation and most importantly was still able to make my previous engagement. 
Have you ever had your caricature done? 
Mona Caron Muralist
   (Above) Mural unveiling party! 
(Source) Noe Valley (West)  Click for larger image!


A San Francisco Bay area friend of mine, Mona Caron is an amazing Illustrator and muralist that I was fortunate to initially meet through mutual friends.  If you've never heard of her check out her famous works. She's a beautiful soul. Back in 2008, this mural (above) was done in my old neighbourhood, it was a fun event with live music, bringing together diverse people and pure sense of community.
                                                                 (Source) "1981"

(Source) "Harlem Rose"

I believe that I first heard of the urban artist, Justin Bua from my brother when I was a little girl. His love for Bua's works (above) rubbed off on me, and I've been quite a fan ever since. Bua's zeal for art is definitely evident; you can often instantly feel the rhythm of what he's trying to convey in each piece.

For the love of art, check them out! Do you have any favourite street artists or muralists? 


38 comments

  1. Honestly--- I have never seriously look at street artist work before--- but this reminds me, there is inspiration everywhere!

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  2. I really like th murals! We need more of those in Budapest. They're so much more cheerful than a bland wall to stare at in a traffic jam and they make you think too.

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  3. street art is always, always so special. it's like the whole different world of art

    xxxDaria, the Fashionsurfer

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  4. Melliott93009 February

     ahh i used to have a justin bua obsession! i haven't thought about his work in so long - what a nice trip down memory lane.
    -Marie
    So What If I Like Pretty Things

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  5. Blue Vanilla09 February

    Great photos! Art shows are always so fun!
    xx
    Hot Pink Day

    Shop Blue Vanilla

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  6. Gorgeous art. Your caricature is so well done

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  7. Lady, I had a caricature done of me when I was a first year student in high school. I wish I still had it since it turned out so well. Sadly, it got lost with all the moving. My sister recently had one done of her oldest child. The artist depicted my niece as a ballerina and it turned out amazing. I love street art! A few years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Paris and one of the things I liked the most was the street art! :)

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  8. How wonderful. I think I lost the Parisian caricature that my bro and I had done. It was so long ago. thanks for sharing your experience lovely. -xx

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  9. He's amazing, so happy you're a Bua fan as well. Happy weekend dear. 

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  10. I love viewing the intricate details of murals, so much passion, time and labour that's involved.  Thanks for your comment. ;)

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  11. This is amazing, I love caricatures!  I actually had one done in Vegas a few years ago...I had the artist over-emphasize my smile with super large teeth :D hehe!  And my brother wanted him to draw very dark thick evil looking eyebrows on his :)  We couldn't stop laughing and thinking how awesome our caricatures were!

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  12. Styleadvisor10 February

    I am always very fascinated by these street artists. And I love peeking over their shoulders, but haven't had one done yet. Yours turned out absolutely great!

    http://mystyleadvisor.blogspot.com/

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  13. aaww cute caricature! i love murals!
    xo
    MosaMuse

    MosaMuse.blogspot.com

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  14. 1 appreciate all art forms so i love this feature! i would love to have my caricature done too.

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  15. Hey Girl! I've always wanted my caricature done. Yours came out great!!! I love it. He did a fabulous job. I love art. Always frequenting museums and such.
     http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  16. Yes I have got a caricature done once. Hmm not sure whether I liked it though. THanks for visiting me.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  17. benybloon10 February

    one day i hope that i would learn illustrator and could make as pretty as above dear ^^

    Smoooch

    Love
    Beny Ricardo
    http://benyricardo.com/itsme!/

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  18. Love your appreciation for street art! I've always loved Diego Rivera's murals.

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  19. Great photos!  www.casualglamorous.com

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  20. Thanks dear, love your shop by the way! -xx

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  21. I agree, it's so great to see it all in action. Oh the talent! ;) happy weekend!

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  22. I've always wanted my caricature done. Even though I know it's silly I think seeing the essence of your face is so enlightening.

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  23. Da Paura11 February

    So amazing.  The talent and creativity is mind-boggling!  xRachel

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  24. Thanks! I think it's so fascinating to watch how quickly artists can do them as well. Have a great weekend. :)

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  25. Art is quite an addicting thing for me, so happy that you love it too! Thanks for your comment.

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  26. well that can be the best art ever! 

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  27. Some of the pavement art I've seen in London just takes your breath way - such talent!

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  28. Oh to Be a Muse11 February

    can you believe i've always wanted to do a caricature but never have because i'm afraid it'll turn out super weird, lol. maybe one day. i really like yours!

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  29. I never have had a caricature done of myself. I always thought they looked pretty cool though. Those artists are so talented!

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  30. Such lovely art! I've gotten my caricature done twice before, and I also love watching them get done in action!

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  31. Your caricature looks so cute!!! Very you with a little extra and I'm glad you did not turn down his generous offer down.

    Love Bua and am going to check out Caron's work now...that mural is stunning. 

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  32. Veronica13 February

    wonderful artistic post

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  33. I am always so impressed by the talent street artists have! I've never had my caricature done, but have always wanted to.

    Mandy
    Kini Style & The Klury Report

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  34. I've always wanted to!  I've also always wanted to get my fortune told by one of the street psychics! 

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  35. I've never had one done, but I've always wanted to!

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  36. That plant just amazes me! I had to look twice to see that it was part of the painting it looks so real! 
    I've never had my caricature done but it sure would be fun! Yours is very cool and nice of him to give it to you!

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  37. It looks incredible in-person. She's amazing! Thanks so much. It's always fun to see how other artists draw you. :)

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