5453. Queen’s Road (3)

Willl Crosss, Queen's Road, Bristol, August 2023
Willl Crosss, Queen’s Road, Bristol, August 2023

This is the third piece I have posted from the 650 years of Bristol celebration pant jam, and it is by the magnificent artist Willl Cross. For most of the artists, there was a major challenge in switching their spray cans for brushes, not so for Willl Cross who uses brushes for all his street art pieces, and is more familiar with studio art work.

Willl Crosss, Queen's Road, Bristol, August 2023
Willl Crosss, Queen’s Road, Bristol, August 2023

Willl Cross tends to use a crossover method which incorporates modern scenes painted in a romantic style, and often his subject is wearing traditional Bulgarian costume. This outstanding piece presents a stunning view which many Bristolians will be familiar with, showing the Avon Gorge and Clifton suspension bridge viewed from the Downs. The woman in the portrait, with her eyes closed, appears to be enjoying the moment and is gently holding a wildflower.

Willl Crosss, Queen's Road, Bristol, August 2023
Willl Crosss, Queen’s Road, Bristol, August 2023

There is more mystery to the piece though, with some menacing winged beasts or demons floating around the woman’s head. I would like to believe that the demons are being expelled by the peace of the moment.

The patterns on the dress are wonderfully painted, and the dramatic skies overhead indicate turmoil. I would so much love to speak with Willl Cross to understand more about the painting.

We are privileged in Bristol to have free access to stunning artwork like this for citizens and visitors to enjoy. Next time you are passing, stop for a moment and drink in this awesome painting.

5446. Queen’s Road (2)

Jody, Queen's Road, Bristol, August 2023
Jody, Queen’s Road, Bristol, August 2023

It is very special to see a Jody piece that has been painted on the street without spray cans, but rather with brushes… it doesn’t happen often, but what a magnificent result. This gorgeous portrait piece has been painted as part of the 650-year celebrations of Bristol and an event curated by Upfest in partnership with Bristol BID.

Jody, Queen's Road, Bristol, August 2023
Jody, Queen’s Road, Bristol, August 2023

Jody has gone full on renaissance style with this portrait, and in doing so was following the brief. In his own way, he has created something very special, although slightly incongruous being next door to the dreadful Weatherspoons pub. The lady’s hair and hair decoration are eclipsed only by the outstanding detail of her face.

Jody, Queen's Road, Bristol, August 2023
Jody, Queen’s Road, Bristol, August 2023

This piece is an antidote to all the horrors of our very own crisis in Britain and demonstrates that there are good and beautiful things in our lives. An ancient beauty for our modern times.

5443. Queen’s Road (1)

Rose Popay, Queen's Road, Bristol, August 2023
Rose Popay, Queen’s Road, Bristol, August 2023

Although there has been no formal Upfest festival this year, the team at Upfest have been very busy organising Westonwallz in Weston-super-mare and a small ‘takeover’ of closed retail outlets on the Bristol Triangle in partnership with Bristol BID (Business Improvement District) to celebrate 650 years since King Edward III granted important rights and privileges to Bristol by royal charter in 1373.

Several empty shopfronts were painted between 20 and 23 July as part of the paint jam, and this one was painted by Rose Popay, an artist originally from Baath. The overall theme for the paintings was to paint in a Renaissance style to reflect the 650 years, not a spray can in sight!

Rose Popay, Queen's Road, Bristol, August 2023
Rose Popay, Queen’s Road, Bristol, August 2023

Rose Popay has painted three panels in her contribution to the event, the first providing a little bit of information on a scroll, and the other two presenting iconic images of Bristol, a balloon and the Clifton suspension bridge. Liberally decorated with flowers and big blue skies with clouds, the piece is a breath of fresh air in this bustling part of the city.