6672. Cumberland Basin

Mr Draws, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025
Mr Draws, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025

I have met Mr Draws a great many times, which is not surprising, given the frequency with which both of us are out and about in the more popular graffiti spots of Bristol. I can honestly say that he is a gentle and really decent man, who’s good nature comes out in his light-hearted writing.

Mr Draws, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025
Mr Draws, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025

This transition piece was painted at the end of 2024 and start of 2025 (I hope not on New Year’s Eve itself). Some nice letters spelling out DRAW, and a rather tired and emotional looking Smiley positioned in the centre of the piece, perhaps representing some exuberant celebrating and welcoming of 2025.

6670. Cumberland Basin

Acer One, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025
Acer One, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025

After a reasonably quiet winter season, Acer One has pulled this beauty out of the hat. The piece is painted on a wall that Acer One has made his own over recent years, and this is a rather special instalment.

Acer One, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025
Acer One, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025

The stylised letters spell out ‘peace and love’ which are placed over a swirling ribbon of colour and a neutral grey background. Acer One specialises in his stylised fonts, and tends to execute them to perfection. A nice sentiment and great piece.

6662. Cumberland Basin

Rowdy, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025
Rowdy, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025

A little while back, it looks like Ryder and Rowdy had a bit of fun in the north side of the Cumberland Basin area, with lots of small pieces dotted about the place. I am assuming this column piece was part of that session.

Rowdy, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025
Rowdy, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, January 2025

This is so Rowdy… three crazy colourful cats, looking a little bit like children’s drawings. The colours work incredibly well on the pinky red colour of the column. A piece full of mischief and joy from one of the most established street artists in Bristol.

6649. Cumberland Basin

Biers, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Biers, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

For most of last year Biers kept his WD40 pieces going with some rhythm and regularity, but the combination character/writing pieces dropped off significantly. Is is almost as if he lost inspiration for his characters, which is a pity, because I believe they complement his letters nicely.

Biers, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Biers, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

This tidy piece of writing is nicely presented and uses the red, white, black and grey combination of colours that work so well in graffiti writing, and which Decay used to good effect for many years. The No Frills crew have been well represented in 2024, and long may that continue into this new year.

6627. Cumberland Basin

Pura Decadencia, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Pura Decadencia, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

It is that rather curious work week after Christmas, where not a lot really happens, especially with the New Year’s Day bank holiday stuck in the middle of it. Time to prepare for the year ahead and get the brain into gear. One thing that remains constant is the conveyor belt of street and graffiti art that appears on the streets of Bristol, come rain or shine, and subsequently, my recording of it. Tghis is a recent beauty by Pura Decadencia.

Pura Decadencia, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Pura Decadencia, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

For once, Pura Decadencia hasn’t included the lips and vampire teeth that have become synonymous with her work, allowing us to concentrate on her letters. Pura Decadencia pretty much always writes with large curvy bubble letters, and they are cleverly brought to life with great white accent lines that create a 3D effect. Her colours work nicely together and are lifted by the unusual pink and white striped background. Another wonderful piece from the artist.

6622. Cumberland Basin

Mr Draws, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Mr Draws, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

Mr Draws has been represented on Natural Adventures month after month and year after year, and his presence is a testament to his determination and drive, even through periods of challenge and uncertainty. His work holds a special place in this blog.

Mr Draws, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Mr Draws, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

This bright piece in Cumberland Basin is a regular quick one from Mr Draws. The fills he has used are strong colours, but the paint is a little thin, which is often the case with oranges, reds and yellows. I rather like the subtle little green spots, highlighting the tops of the letters. I hope 2025 will be another strong and productive one from Mr Draws.

6619. Cumberland Basin

Sam Brentall, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Sam Brentnall, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

The Christmas break continues to be ultra-busy so I am rushing today’s posts a little. Normal service will resume in a few days. This piece, by Sam Brentnall is a wonderfully uncomplicated cartoon character dog holding a chicken, and whoever not?

Sam Brentall, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Sam Brentnall, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

I have only posted one of Sam Brentnall’s pieces before, which was up at Purdown, so coming across this one in the Cumberland Basin was a very pleasant surprise. His work really justifies the phrase ‘less is more’ and what I mean by that is the simplicity of the scene tells a story without overindulgent elaboration. I would definitely like to see more of Sam Brentnall’s work on the streets… perhaps in 2025.

6614. Cumberland Basin

Lee Roy, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Lee Roy, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

Not long ago, I met Lee Roy, whilst walking our respective dogs, and he informed me that he was hanging up his spray cans for a while, which was disappointing to hear, because I like his work and the way he expresses himself through it. However, this piece might signify a return for the anti-style(ish) writer.

Lee Roy, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Lee Roy, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

During his ‘lay-off’, he hasn’t lost his touch in the slightest, indeed, this is a rather sharp piece, beautifully presented and with an array of his favourite fill patterns and shapes. The purples and greys work well against the blight blue background, and this is a very fine ‘come back’ piece. Hoping this is more than a splash in the pan.

6611. Cumberland Basin.

Blam, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Blam, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

Seriously quick one today – I have loads of Christmas preparations (housework) still to do, and very little time to do it in. This is a nice mega-tag type of piece by an artist I don’t know much about, called Blam, who I believe might live in Bristol, and who paints occasional pieces.

Blam, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024
Blam, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, December 2024

This spot is one I really like, and Blam has managed to fill the space well with this ultra-green combination piece.

6610. Cumberland Basin

Vane and Bnie, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, September 2024
Vane and Bnie, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, September 2024

This stunning collaboration from Vane and Bnie was painted a little while ago during a paint jam organised to wish Mena a swift recovery from her accident in Thailand. The character on the left is by Vane and the writing, spelling MENAS is by Bnie.

Vane and Bnie, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, September 2024
Vane and Bnie, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, September 2024

The colour selection in this collaboration is really quite something, with the purples, pinks and mint green working exceptionally well together. I don’t get to see much artwork by Vane, and Bnie hasn’t painted too much this year, so this collaboration was bonus and a bit of a treat. I hope all the good vibes created during this paint jam have helped Mena on her journey to recovery.