.
Vocal cords work out
urging team to narrow win
Just nine games to go
.
by Scooj
- Arsenal 2 – Chelski 1
Tag: London
7497. Surbiton Station, London
This Surbiton Station wall was a lucky spot to find and has kept my posts ticking over during a rather lean spell on the streets of Bristol. This particular piece is a rather old, but nonetheless stunning combination piece by SkyHigh.
His letters, painted with the characteristic multi style blocks, are broken up with a superb parrot, confirming that SkyHigh is equally happy painting letters and wildlife portraits. A quick look at his gallery will show you that he paints these combinations quite regularly.
The blue and gold macaw is absolutely amazing, and I am in awe of SkyHigh’s skill with his spray cans to be able to create something so beautiful and so accurate. It is about time that he and Roo paid another visit to Bristol.
London bound
.
Nine jays in three trees
early morning station treat
off to a good start
.
by Scooj
7485. Surbiton Station, London
Another piece from Paul Don Smith on the wall opposite Surbiton Station car park. This is a piece that looks like it might have been there for quite a while, judging from the ivy drooping down from the top of the piece, like a theatrical green curtain.
The piece is a collage of images and ideas from the Hollywood movie Venom, which I have never actually watched from start to finish, but have picked up a few scenes while channel-hopping. Paul Don Smith’s style is curious, with a blend of patterns and sketches, spray paint and pens for the finer detail. Definitely a different take on street art, taking a more ‘studio’ approach.
7481. Surbiton Station, London
Although I came across this wall at Surbiton Station only a couple of weeks ago, I think that some of the pieces there have survived a long while, and in Curiouser’s Instagram, she posted this piece way back in December 2021. Although the piece has suffered a little from the weather and some light tagging, her talent and story shine through.
The portrait is stunning, with a great understanding of light, shade and depth. The picture depicts a story of aliens and spaceships. I don’t think I have seen any work by the artist before, but she would be perfect candidate for Upfest I would have thought. I’ll be looking out for her work next time I visit and spots in London.
7478. Surbiton Station, London
This is another piece from the surprise wall at Surbiton Station, this time one of three pieces by the artist Paul Don Smith. I know nothing about the artist, but from what I see, it looks like he likes to paint scenes in a collage style from television shows or films.
Paul Don Smith has chosen to feature Edward Scissorhands in this square piece, creating scenes and images from the film, including a nicely trimmed hedge and plenty of pairs of scissors. The artwork is a fusion of stencils and paintwork. It is difficult to know how much is brush work and how much is spray paint, but the overall effect seems to work and is quite unique. More to come from Paul Don Smith.
7472. Surbiton Station, London
This wall at Surbiton Station was the gift that keeps on giving. Although this piece by Layla’s Murals is several years old – it took me a while to find it on her Instagram page – it is still looking rather good, and hasn’t been tagged at all.
The stunning portrait of the leopard stands out alongside a large and dramatic sky. Ordinarily such a large space would be filled with bits and bobs, but Layla’s Murals clearly has the confidence and belief in her composition, and it works really well.
As a slight aside, I am learning Shakespeare’s wonderful ‘seven ages of man’ monologue, because I want to, and this picture reminds me of one of the lines…
‘Then a soldier, full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard’
The ‘pard’ is a leopard, and here you can see why a soldier might be bearded like one. Great stuff.
7469. Surbiton Station, London
One thing that you can be reasonably certain about is that when you find a SkyHigh piece there is likely to be a Roo piece nearby, as the couple often paint together. It looks like Roo drew the short straw and had this rather tricky little spot behind the letter box.
Roo has painted one of her trademark bees that she can probably paint in her sleep. The bee is painted with such assurance, with beautiful clean lines and strong solid fills. I rather like the way that she has painted each of the concrete slabs with a different shade of blue. Buzzzz.
7467. Surbiton Station, London
Last weekend my wife and I went to London for a football match and stayed with her brother and family in Surbiton. To get to the match we had to catch a train from Surbiton Station and you can only imagine my joy, when I saw this mural buy SkyHigh, and several others tucked around the corner. Over the next few days I’ll be posting some of these.
SkyHigh is perhaps better known for his outstanding writing, but has also produced some extraordinary wildlife pieces, and this domestic nature scene certainly hits the mark. I believe that this mural was painted several years ago (December 2021?), but is still looking pretty fresh.
SkyHigh has captured the robin and the red squirrel perfectly, although there aren’t many (any) red squirrels in this part of the country. What a magnificent sight for commuters to return to after a dull day at work. Bravo!
7387. Princess of Wales, Leyton Marshes, London
We have had a very busy Christmas period, doing lots of travelling and visiting of relatives. Just before Christmas, we met up with my niece and her three-month-old boy in a pub for a spot of lunch in Leyton Marshes and to meet the youngest (at that time) member of our family. It was a lovely opportunity to get to know the little chap. Naturally, I couldn’t help but notice some graffiti and street art dotted about the place.
Immediately outside the pub was this distinctive piece by Sweet Toof on a hoarding squished up against a tree. I have seen work by the artist in various places on my travels, including New York, and I know that he gets around a lot. I think that he operates out of London though, and I don’t see as much of his work that I’d like to. This was a serendipitous occasion, but the star of the show was my little great nephew.
Natural adventures 