scooj

7678. Cumberland Basin

Zake, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, March 2026

I forgot to paste this beast of a character face by Zake back in March when he painted it, but found it on a little delve in my archives. Such has been the unbelievable turnover in Bristol this spring, that I have dozens and dozens of superb pieces in my February-April folders that might never see the light of day.

This cheeky face has been stretched out laterally to fill the long rectangular space. The character is slightly creepy, most of Zake’s characters are, but beautifully presented. His command of light and shade to create depth has been put to full use in this piece using a shade of blue to great effect. Nice one.

7677. Greenbank (122)

Avem808 has knocked it out of the park with this outstanding combination piece on the long hoarding at Greenbank. The two distinct components, characters and writing interact in an entertaining way.

The two goofy characters appear to be intrigued by the writing and have sent their extendable arms to investigate. Avem808’s Instagram feed is peppered with many examples of these characters drawn up in a digital format, but this is the first time I have seen them on a wall. The writing is highly complex in form, but based around the letters AVEM, which you can just about make out. An amazing unsigned piece with enough clues to make out the artist.

Posy

Acerbic at times

more often a loving heart

my favourite aunt

don’t tell the other ones though

I’ll miss you so very much

by Scooj

7676. Sparke Evans Park (151)

Arsa, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, April 2026

The style, which is instantly recognisable, and the letters ARSA combine to tell us who this attractive piece is by. There is a lot of precision in the piece, aided by the mortar lines on the surface of the brick wall.

The letters are filled with a camouflage colour palette and patterned in an unblended fashion. There is a nice drop shadow and red border, but the signature element in Arsa’s work is the symmetrical presentation, which works really well. Distinctive and pretty cool.

7675. Greenway Bush Lane – Upfest 2026 (10)

Jeroo, Upfest 2026, Greenway Bush Lane, Bristol, May 2026

When it comes to stylised pieces, this one from Jeroo is right up there with the very best. There are lots of things going on here, with a peacock being at the centre of it all.

Stairs and crystals and some other shapes make up the body parts of the peacock in this high-definition adventure. While the content of the piece is a little surreal, the execution and photorealism are on point. A superb piece from Jeroo.

Thursday Doors – 28 May 2026

Doors 356 – Doors of Shrewsbury (part VI) – April 2025

I am in Cornwall with work, and seeing family, but have to jump in the car shortly to get home before travelling up to Leeds this afternoon. This will be a very short post as a result. Some ecclesiastical doors from Shrewsbury this week.

Two front doors to a timber-framed house, Saint Mary’s Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England

Steps up to a black studded door, Saint Mary’s Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England

Church door, Church of St Mary the Virgin, Saint Mary’s Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England

Ghost door or window, Church of St Mary the Virgin, Saint Mary’s Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England

Gateway and door to lower level of Church of St Mary the Virgin, Saint Mary’s Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England

Church door and entrance to Church of St Mary the Virgin, Saint Mary’s Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England

Church door and front entrance to Church of St Mary the Virgin, Saint Mary’s Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England

Door and planters, St Mary the Virgin, Saint Mary’s Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England

7674. Tobacco Factory – Upfest 2026 (9)

Alex Dimond, Upfest 2026, Tobacco Factory, Bristol, May 2026

Three more small boards painted during the first weekend of Upfest. Unfortunately I missed the second week of boards, because they disappear after the Saturday, and I visited on Sunday. The first is an eye catching piece by Alex Dimond. Unusual, contemporary and most compelling.

Adam Beachey, Upfest 2026, Tobacco Factory, Bristol, May 2026

Next up is a fine piece by Adam Beachy. Some rich colours in this piece that appears to have a lot of symbolism – locks, chains and an ancient stairway. Not too sure what it all means, but it is a visual feast.

Michelle Urban, Upfest 2026, Tobacco Factory, Bristol, May 2026

Finally, a most attractive stylised piece of art by Michelle Urban has two women in red bathing costumes, paddling in the sea. The caption reads “Have you ever eaten an orange in the sea”. Your guess is as good as mine.

Three great examples of beautiful art in three very different styles.

7673. Stillhouse Lane – Upfest 2026 (8)

Cheo, Upfest 2026, Stillhouse Lane, Bristol, May 2026

A quick one today. I am in Cornwall with work, and have an early start. I wrote this one last night. Cheo is a firm favourite at Upfest, where he gets to showcase his extraordinary talent in front of a much wider audience than usual.

This is a marvellous and imaginative creation set in an ancient Egyptian scene with mummies and aliens having a bit of a brawl. This is a wonderfully detailed piece, and there is so much going on, but it is the scarab beetle that wins the day for me.

7672. Greenway Bush Lane – Upfest 2026 (7)

The Art of Sok, Upfest 2026, Greenway Bush Lane, Bristol, May 2026

What a wonderful bonus for Upfest 202 to have The Art of Sok come over from Wales to paint this absolute gem on Greenway Bush Lane. His comic-book cartoon style is utterly captivating and feels very contemporary in a kind of retro way.

The BS3 referred to on the cap is the postal district where Upfest is held, encompassing Bedminster, Southville, Bower Ashton and Windmill Hill. The two characters, captured in shades of pink are pictured standing in front of silhouetted buildings and a nighttime sky. It feels like there is a story here, leaving the viewer wanting to know more. A wonderful Upfest piece.

7671. Greenway Bush Lane – Upfest 2026 (6)

Nol, Upfest 2026, Greenway Bush Lane, Bristol, May 2026

Nol is a favourite artist at Upfest and is well known for his friendly characters that have been gracing the streets of South Bristol for several years. The Dutch artist usually leaves behind a few ‘extras’ as well when he visits for the festival, and he has not disappointed on this occasion.

This piece is on a new wall, painted for the first time at Upfest 2026, which is on the rear side of the Aldi supermarket. It is brilliant when the local businesses embrace the festival and make walls available.

Nol’s cheeky characters are always superbly presented, crisp and clean, with great solid fills and bold black outlines. These three appear as if they are giant stickers slapped one on top of the other. I love the way he has incorporated the air vent and made it look like the metal ‘cover’ is peeling off the wall. Wonderful stuff from Nol.

	skat on Posy
	skat on Posy
	skat on Posy
	Laura Newhampshire on 7678. Cumberland Basin
	Laura Newhampshire on Thursday Doors – 28 May…

	skat on Posy
	skat on Posy
	skat on Posy
	Laura Newhampshire on 7678. Cumberland Basin
	Laura Newhampshire on Thursday Doors – 28 May…

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