7441. Cumberland Basin

Ulow, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2026
Ulow, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2026

It is always good when an artist who is the beneficiary of a birthday paint jam manages to conjure up something a little special to mark the occasion, and that is exactly what Ulow has managed to do here.

Ulow, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2026
Ulow, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2026

Ulow has painted a street artist character dressed well for the winter and with a spray can in his hand. What makes Ulow’s work extra special is that he paints in tones, in this case blues and pinks, rather than with a full colour palette, and the outcome is always captivating. A lovely birthday piece from Ulow.

7440. Greenbank (178)

Avem808, Greenbank, Bristol, January 2026
Avem808, Greenbank, Bristol, January 2026

What an absolute pleasure it was to come across this combination piece by Avem808, while walking the dog along the Bristol to Bath cycle path behind Greenbank Cemetary. I have only seen a handful of pieces by the artist, but each of them has been a cracker.

Avem808, Greenbank, Bristol, January 2026
Avem808, Greenbank, Bristol, January 2026

I think this is the first combination piece I have seen by Avem808 and it is composed of the letters AV and EM bookending a cartoon crocodile character in the middle. The blended letter fills are very well done, and he has an interesting take on the 3D drop shadow that seems to go in all directions, possibly to a vanishing point in the middle somewhere. A refreshing piece and I hope, an indication of what is to come this year.