Tag: murals

Cool mural in North Park remembers good old days!

A super cool street mural in North Park depicts icons from three decades: the 50s, 60s and 70s.
A very cool street mural in North Park depicts icons from three decades: the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Check out this super cool street mural in North Park, on the side of a building near the corner of 30th Street and Adams Avenue! It’s titled “Remembering… 50’s 60’s 70’s” and was painted by the artist Kerry A. Moore in 2008. The mural depicts small, iconic scenes from what many might call the good old days! I searched like crazy but could find absolutely nothing about this fun street art on the internet.

How many entertainment legends and famous people from those three decades can you spot? Among others, I recognize Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, the I Love Lucy show, the Rat Pack, Martin Luther King, Jr., Neil Armstrong, the Beatles, JFK, Easy Rider, Jimi Hendrix, the original Star Wars, The Godfather, Happy Days, John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, and, of course, Rocky Balboa. I was a kid in the 70’s and remember many good times. Movies I remember fondly include Star Wars, Rocky and Superman. But most of my best old memories are probably from the 80’s, experiencing life and this great big world as a young adult.  Wow, the years have gone by quickly.

I have a dream. Make love, not war. Happy Days. Revolutionary music, cool cars, sports heroes, and a space opera that altered entertainment forever. Bits of history and popular culture from America's past.
I have a dream. Make love, not war. Happy Days. Revolutionary music, cool cars, sports heroes, and a space opera that changed entertainment forever. Bits of history and popular culture from America’s past.  Now that is one jam-packed mural!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Romantic mural in Little Italy celebrates life.

Diners sit at tables on the waterfront. An Italian fish market, colorful buildings and clouds.
Diners sit at tables on the waterfront. An Italian fish market, colorful buildings and clouds.

I really like this mural. You’ll find it near the corner of Grape Street and Kettner Boulevard in Little Italy. It was painted by San Diego artist Stephanie Clair. Her art is modern, romantic and overflowing with the simple pleasures of life. Please enjoy a few colorful photos!

Little Italy mural painted by artist Stephanie Clair shows the life of a fishing town. Perhaps it resembles San Diego's past.
Little Italy mural painted by artist Stephanie Clair shows the life of a fishing town. Perhaps it resembles San Diego’s past.
Fishermen in their boats working the sea. The water is blue and green.
Fishermen in their boats working the sea. The water is blue and green.
Lovers drink wine as they sit by the water, gazing out at the sunset.
Lovers drink wine as they sit by the water, gazing out at the sunset.
A streetcar among buildings that seem to pulse with life.
A streetcar among buildings that seem to pulse with life.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Four cool murals on Fern Street in South Park.

Cool mural in San Diego's hip South Park community features Latino and Native American cultural influences.
Cool mural in San Diego’s hip South Park community features Latino and Native American cultural influences.

Here are four cool street murals that I spotted during my meandering walk yesterday. You can find them on Fern Street in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood. All four of these are north of Date Street. I’m sure there are others to the south that I missed.

Urban art on side of the Fern St. Laundromat. Litter and graffiti partially obscure a painted depiction of a vintage San Diego Fire Department vehicle, complete with fireman and dalmatian.
Urban art on side of the Fern St. Laundromat. Litter and graffiti partially obscure a painted depiction of a vintage San Diego Fire Department vehicle, complete with fireman and dalmatian.
Local graffiti artists Persue, Reyes and Steel created this cool street art on Fern Street in South Park.
Local graffiti artists Persue, Reyes and Steel created this cool street art on Fern Street in South Park.
Sepia tone mural on Fern Street in South Park features man riding an old-fashioned penny-farthing and nostalgic images from San Diego's past.
Sepia tone mural on Fern Street in South Park features man riding an old-fashioned penny-farthing and nostalgic images from San Diego’s past.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

A walk up Broadway, from downtown to Golden Hill.

A large bee and the word LOVE. Street art on a fence near the top of Golden Hill.
A large bee and the word LOVE. Street art on a fence near the top of Golden Hill.

I went on a long walk today and took many photos. Enough for several blog posts!

I’ll begin at the beginning–walking in the mid-morning from downtown San Diego to the top of Golden Hill. I headed east along Broadway, crossed Interstate 5, then began my climb up the hill, looking this way and that. Here are a few interesting things I saw, starting at the Police Headquarters located at 14th and Broadway…

Wreath in front of San Diego Police Headquarters' Wall of Honor, remnant of a recent memorial ceremony. The wall is inscribed with the names of all police officers killed in the line of duty since 1913.
A wreath in front of the San Diego Police Headquarters’ Wall of Honor is the remnant of a recent memorial ceremony. The wall is inscribed with the names of all police officers killed in the line of duty since 1913.
A prayer on Broadway. Shelter my brothers and sisters in arms who have fallen in the fight. Let their stars, lit by your love, shine brightly through the night.
A prayer on Broadway. Shelter my brothers and sisters in arms who have fallen in the fight. Let their stars, lit by your love, shine brightly through the night.
A sign points to Golden Hill as I walk east up Broadway from downtown San Diego.
A sign points to Golden Hill as I walk east up Broadway from downtown San Diego.
Looking back west toward downtown. Many jacaranda trees line San Diego's streets. A man waits at a bus stop.
Looking back west toward downtown. Many jacaranda trees line San Diego’s streets. A man waits at a bus stop.
Crazy decal on the back of a stop sign.
Crazy decal on the back of a stop sign.
A utility box with a bit of funny street art. This tired buffalo appears to be crunching some numbers.
A utility box with a bit of funny urban art. This tired buffalo appears to be crunching some numbers.
A nicely restored Victorian residence on Broadway in Golden Hill. This neighborhood contains many historic houses, and some are quite amazing. A hundred years ago, this area on a hill near downtown was quite affluent.
A nicely restored Victorian residence on sloping Broadway, photographed while heading up Golden Hill. This neighborhood contains many historic houses. A hundred years ago, this area on a scenic hill near downtown was very affluent.
One side of a fun utility box has been boldly painted with a fiery green dragon.
One side of a utility box has been boldly painted with a fiery green dragon.
A lady and another scaly dragon on the opposite side of the box. A floral mural decorates a nearby store's wall.
A lady and a scaly dragon on the opposite side of the box. A floral mural decorates a nearby store’s wall.
The San Diego Reader is a very popular alternative weekly newspaper in our city. Their headquarters is located on Broadway in Golden Hill.
The San Diego Reader is a very popular alternative weekly newspaper in our city. Their headquarters is located on Broadway in Golden Hill.
The 1896 Quartermass-Wilde House is a San Diego Historic Landmark. This elegant Victorian is an outstanding example of Queen Anne style architecture.
The 1896 Quartermass-Wilde House is a San Diego Historic Landmark. It’s difficult to miss!  This elegant Victorian is an outstanding example of Queen Anne style architecture.
Lots of balloons and flowers for sale at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It's Mother's Day.
Lots of balloons and flowers for sale at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It’s Mother’s Day.
A beautiful bit of shining art inlaid in the sidewalk. A marker at the top of Golden Hill.
A beautiful bit of shining art inlaid in the sidewalk. A marker at the top of Golden Hill.
San Diego Fire Station 11, at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It's a perfect day for a walk!
San Diego Fire Station 11, at the corner of Broadway and 25th Street. It’s a perfect day for a walk!
A Mexican taco shop and graffiti on the windows. The neighborhood today is a bit rundown, but sunny and pleasant.
A Mexican taco shop has graffiti on the windows. The neighborhood today is slightly neglected, but sunny and pleasant.
A wooden fence along the sidewalk contains amazing, colorful murals, beginning with this flowery skull.
A wooden fence along the sidewalk contains amazing, colorful murals, beginning with this flowery skull.
A brilliant butterfly spotted on Broadway, near the top of Golden Hill!
A brilliant butterfly spotted on Broadway, near the top of Golden Hill!
A hummingbird drawn like ancient Southwest rock art.
A hummingbird drawn like ancient Southwestern rock art.
A magical lady, eyeball blooms and an unfinished Simba.
A magical lady, eyeball plants and an unfinished Simba.
Someone walks west along the Broadway sidewalk. I continued east, turned north up 28th Street and directed my feet toward South Park.
Someone walks west along the Broadway sidewalk. I continued east, turned north up 28th Street and directed my feet toward South Park.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

A cool new street mural in Normal Heights!

A painting of a market full of Mexican crafts and charm. It makes one feel that life is good, just gazing at this joyful artwork.
A painting of a market full of Mexican crafts and charm. It makes anyone walking down the sidewalk feel that life is good, just gazing at this colorful artwork.

Some new, very cool urban art has recently appeared on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights! Here are a few photos!

The street mural, titled Un dia de Mercado, is painted on the side of one small building. It depicts a Mexican marketplace, and many of the goods a shopper is likely to find there. The colors are vivid and happy. The artwork inspires joy.

Un dia de Mercado. A colorful new street mural on Adams Avenue in San Diego's Normal Heights neighborhood.
Un dia de Mercado. A fantastic new street mural on Adams Avenue in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood.
Un dia de Mercado was completed on April 2, 2016. It was painted by several talented artists. Their signatures are evident in this photo. New colorful urban art in Normal Heights!
Un dia de Mercado was completed on April 2, 2016. It was painted by several talented artists. Their signatures are evident in this photo. New colorful urban art in Normal Heights!
A smiling face, a funny parrot, an umbrella, guitar, flowers, fruit and a sleeping dog. One day at the market!
A smiling face, a funny parrot, an umbrella, guitar, flowers, fruit and a sleeping dog. One day at the market!
Beautiful artistry on the side of a building on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights adds life to the city!
Beautiful artistry on the side of a building on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights!
This street mural adds sunshine and happiness to a very cool neighborhood in San Diego!
This street mural adds sunshine and happiness to an already very cool neighborhood in San Diego!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

More fun photos of street murals in North Park.

Imaginative urban artwork decorates a building wall in San Diego's North Park.
Imaginative urban artwork decorates a building wall in San Diego’s North Park.

Here comes another batch of fun pics!

These super creative street murals were photographed during a walk in North Park. I believe all of this art was located along University Avenue, in the neighborhood of 30th Street. A colorful urban vibe is combined with uninhibited imagination and bold artistry.  Take a look!

The Animal House Pet Shop has a big, cool mural spray painted on its side.
The Animal House Pet Shop has a big, cool mural spray painted on its side.
Smiling faces, beautiful faces, funny faces. Happy visions come to life in this colorful street art.
Smiling faces, beautiful faces, funny faces. Happy visions come to life in this colorful street art.
More fantastic art beckons from an alley near the North Park landmark sign on University Avenue.
More fantastic art beckons from an alley near the North Park landmark sign on University Avenue. I must’ve taken this picture around Christmas.
A spherical fellow who resembles an emoticon or a video game character sits among lots of flowery shapes.
A blue spherical fellow who resembles an emoticon or a video game character sits among lots of flowery shapes.
A gritty urban canvas jammed with abstraction and graffiti is glimpsed by drivers heading along University Avenue.
A gritty urban canvas jammed with abstraction and graffiti is glimpsed by drivers heading along University Avenue.
Bold image along the roof of another building. A female warrior, a green dragon and a brilliant city scene.
Bold image along the roof of another building. A female warrior, a green dragon and a brilliant city scene.
Another alley, another funky street mural.
Another alley, another funky street mural.
I think I see some space chimps!
I think I see some space chimps!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

More cool murals in San Diego’s Little Italy!

Mural titled I Pescatori by artist Renee Garcia, 2003. Depicts tuna fishermen who lived in Little Italy (many were Italian immigrants) fishing off the coast of San Diego.
Mural titled I Pescatori by artist Renee Garcia, 2003. Depicts tuna fishermen who lived in Little Italy (many were Italian immigrants) fishing off the coast of San Diego.

About two years ago, I posted some photos of public murals that can be spotted in Little Italy, a beautiful neighborhood in downtown San Diego. This morning, soaking in the warm sunshine, I slowly strolled up India Street once again!

Camera in hand, I captured even more examples of fantastic, colorful artwork. Most of these pics were taken on India Street north of Ivy Street.

This painting of two dancers was in the front patio of a shop or cafe or restaurant of some kind--I forget what, exactly. I had to snap a quick pic.
This painting of two dancers was in the front patio of a shop or cafe or restaurant of some kind–I forget what, exactly. I had to snap a quick pic.
Ben-Hur Coffee. A cool old advertisement on the side of an old brick building in San Diego's hip Little Italy neighborhood.
Ben-Hur Coffee. A cool old advertisement on the side of an old brick building in San Diego’s hip Little Italy neighborhood.
Just a fun artistic tile on a building wall that I noted as I walked up India Street this morning.
Just a fun artistic tile on a building wall that I noted as I walked up India Street this morning.
Several murals that together are titled Eredita Italiana. By Yakov Kandinov, 2004. According to a nearby plaque, this is a Precious Cheese Art Mural Project.
Several murals that together are titled Eredita Italiana. By Yakov Kandinov, 2004. According to a nearby plaque, this is a Precious Cheese Art Mural Project.
A portrait of a proud Italian family that might have lived in this neighborhood.
A portrait of a proud Italian family that might have lived in this neighborhood.
One of the grouped murals depicts the historic Our Lady of the Rosary church in Little Italy.
One of the grouped murals depicts the historic Our Lady of the Rosary church in Little Italy.
Looks like someone else was walking up the sidewalk on India Street--and they had wet shoes!
Looks like someone else was walking up the sidewalk on India Street–and they had wet shoes!
Just a fun sign on a Little Italy antique shop's door. The Bungalow Store.
Just a fun sign on a Little Italy antique shop’s door. The Bungalow Store.
A radiant Madonna above the front door of El Camino, a crazy, kitschy Mexican eatery and bar in San Diego's Little Italy.
A radiant Madonna above the front door of El Camino, a crazy, kitschy Mexican eatery and bar in San Diego’s Little Italy.
Many faces of beauty on exterior wall of El Camino.
Many faces of beauty on an exterior wall of El Camino.
Old, faded graphics on wood wall show a troupe of Mexican mariachis.
Old, faded graphic on wood wall shows a troupe of Mexican mariachis.
Colorful application of kitsch on the outside of El Camino.
Colorful application of kitsch on the outside of El Camino.
A large smiling senorita mural looks right at you.
A large smiling senorita mural looks right at you.
A muy guapo caballero in Little Italy!
Caballero muy guapo in Little Italy!

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Cool art battle: An elephant versus a dinosaur!

Exotic elephant on wall of the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest, created by San Diego artist Cody Griffith in 2012.
Exotic elephant on wall of the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest, created by San Diego artist Cody Griffith in 2012.

Here are two of my favorite street murals in San Diego. The colorful elephant appears on the outside west wall of the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest. It was painted by local artist Cody Griffith in 2012. The monstrous Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur with a funny fuzzy rider can be seen in North Park, at the corner of University Avenue and Ray Street. This cool urban artwork was created by Mark Paul Deren, who also goes by the name Madsteez.

It’s a street art battle of monstrous proportions!

Funny urban art in North Park. A cool T. rex and fuzzy rider rise high above a concrete mixer truck. Created by artist Mark Paul Deren, also known as Madsteez.
Funny urban art in North Park. A cool T. rex and rider rise high above a concrete mixer truck. Created by artist Mark Paul Deren, also known as Madsteez.
Another fun example of creativity in the diverse and wonderful city of San Diego.
Another fun example of creativity in the diverse and wonderful city of San Diego.

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Unusual sights that make you look twice!

Cross when no one is looking.
Cross when no one is looking.

Here are a few sights that make pedestrians walking down the sidewalk look twice! I know they attracted the attention of my camera! I took all of these photos in downtown San Diego. A couple of the images I captured recently; others are old pics I’ve been holding onto for several months.

Street art on building of someone "singing the blues".
Bold painting on a building of someone singing the “blues”.
A door that might tempt people walking down the sidewalk. A nearby sign reads WELCOME You Love Happy Fun.
This door might tempt people walking down the sidewalk. A nearby sign reads: WELCOME You Love Happy Fun.
A cool dragon mural in the small Chinatown section of downtown San Diego.
A cool dragon mural in the small Chinatown section of downtown San Diego. By artist Mirto Golino.
This freaky alien seems to leap from a weathered painted utility box.
This freaky alien seems to leap from a weathered street art utility box.
What appear to be three sacred geometry mandalas decorate a sidewalk. These and others can be seen in various locations around San Diego.
What appear to be three sacred geometry mandalas decorate a sidewalk. These and others can be seen in various locations around San Diego.
Funky, eye-catching urban art brightens the entrance to a dance studio.
Funky, eye-catching urban art brightens the entrance to a dance studio. I believe it was painted by artist Fizix.
A guy hanging out in front of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp made these three dimensional origami stars using scraps of paper. Each one takes about two hours to make.
A guy hanging out in front of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp made these three dimensional origami stars using scraps of paper. I was told each one takes about two hours to make.

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Super cool mural in North Park at 30th and Gunn!

Super cool mural in North Park at the intersection of 30th Street and Gunn Street.
Super cool mural in North Park at the intersection of 30th Street and Gunn Street.

This morning, before the threatened rain could begin, I took a long walk through San Diego’s very cool North Park neighborhood. I took lots of pics! I’ll be sharing many of them in the days ahead.

I’ve often admired this super colorful mural while driving down 30th Street. As the years have passed, I’ve also noted that the images have changed. After a little searching on Google, I see this mural is part of the “North Park Mural Project” and I identified a few of the artists. Check out the captions!

Right panel of awesome North Park mural contains the word Esperanza, which is Spanish for Hope.
Right panel of awesome North Park mural contains the word Esperanza, which is Spanish for Hope.
Another section of the public artwork depicts a large red rose, among buildings and interesting patterns. Created by Kreashun.
Another section of this cool public artwork depicts a large red rose, among buildings and interesting patterns. Created by Kreashun.
Spray paint art by San Diego artist Maxx Moses. A character composed of many diverse elements, beneath the words Place Labels on Us From Childbirth.
Spray paint art by San Diego artist Maxx Moses. A character composed of many diverse elements, beneath the words Place Labels on Us From Childbirth.
A beautiful figure seems to pray in a wreath of roses.
A beautiful figure seems to pray in a wreath of roses.
A childlike blue face and long, colorful wavy hair, created by Gloria “GLOW” Muriel.
A childlike blue face and long, colorful wavy hair, created by Gloria “GLOW” Muriel.
This street art is on the same building. It reads Reality is Wrong. Dreams are for Real. Hooligan Arts.
This street art is on the same building. It reads Reality is Wrong. Dreams Are For Real. Hooligan Arts.
Cool street art at 30th and Gunn, part of the North Park Mural Project.
Cool street art at 30th and Gunn, part of the North Park Mural Project.

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