Tag: painting

Watercolor Society members paint portraits near roses.

Artist works at edge of the Sybil Stockdale Rose Garden behind the Command Center at NTC Liberty Station.
Artist works by the Sybil Stockdale Rose Garden, behind the Command Center at NTC Liberty Station.

Yesterday, while I waited for the San Diego Comic Art Gallery to open, I walked a bit around NTC Liberty Station. I was pleased to stumble upon painters at work in the beautiful rose garden behind the old Command Center. I learned the artists were members of the San Diego Watercolor Society, which has its gallery in one of the nearby buildings. I took a few photos that you might enjoy.

Members of the San Diego Watercolor Society practice painting portraits amid beautiful roses
Members of the San Diego Watercolor Society practice painting portraits amid beautiful roses
This creative lady at an easel sported a cool paint palette hat!
This creative lady at an easel wore a unique paint palette hat!
Brushes wait on a nearby bench.
Brushes wait on a nearby bench.
The painters appeared to be mostly working from photographs.
The painters appeared to be mostly working from photographs.
Friendly gentleman receives some feedback as he carefully applies color to a canvas.
Friendly gentleman receives some feedback as he carefully applies color to a canvas.
Artist in a corner of NTC Liberty Station creates a watercolor portrait.
Artist in a corner of NTC Liberty Station creates a watercolor portrait.
Another member of the San Diego Watercolor Society walks toward the old Command Center on a perfect Saturday.
Another member of the San Diego Watercolor Society walks toward the old Command Center on a perfect Saturday.

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Creative trashcan art adds fun to Hillcrest streets.

Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.
Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.

In the past couple years, most of the trashcans lining the streets of Hillcrest have been colorfully painted by local artists. During a recent walk, I passed quite a few of these street art trashcans and took some photos. Many of these fun creations were seen along University Avenue, between Fourth Avenue and Park Boulevard.

Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego's Hillcrest community.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego’s Hillcrest community.
A purple mask-like face that's difficult to miss!
A purple mask-like face that’s very difficult to miss!
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
Masks and confetti represent the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
Masks and confetti reflect the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
Here's an urban rooster.
Here’s an urban rooster.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds even more life to the city.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds life to the city.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Female face with Pharoah mask was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.
Female face with a Pharoah headdress was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.

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Fishes of the Ocean huge art canvas in Balboa Park!

Painted underwater scenes on the grass at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Painted underwater scenes on the grass at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.

Astonished eyes were staring down at the ground at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration. That’s because a very colorful, very long painted canvas had been unrolled on a patch of grass for festival visitors to admire.

What you see in these photos is a segment of the seven kilometer long “Fishes of the Ocean” painting. The amazing artwork, depicting marine life, was created by thousands of mostly young people in the Philippines from 2006 to 2009. The project was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest painting on a single canvas!

I did some research on the internet, but I’m still not sure whether a record was officially set. If you can provide more info, leave a comment below!

Small segment of the amazing seven kilometer long Fishes of the Ocean painting.
Small segment of the amazing seven kilometer long Fishes of the Ocean painting.
Talented young artists, mostly unknown, contributed to this colorful environmental art.
Talented young artists, mostly unknown, contributed to this colorful environmental art.
Abstract fish forms swim in a school on a very large canvas.
Abstract fish forms swim in a school on a very large canvas.
All sorts of exotic tropical fish are swimming at the ocean's bottom.
All sorts of exotic tropical fish are swimming at the ocean’s bottom.
Sea life painted in many vivid colors.
Sea life painted in many vivid colors.
Fishes of the Ocean was created in the Philippines in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record.
Fishes of the Ocean was created in the Philippines in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record.
Visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego walk past an unexpected cool sight!
Visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego walk past an unexpected cool sight!
A land shark waits motionless in the grass!
A land shark waits motionless in the grass!
The long strip of fun art zigzagged across the grass near the International Cottages.
The long strip of fun art zigzagged across the grass near the International Cottages.
Creativity is one of the attractions at the annual Filipino cultural festival.
Creativity is one of the attractions at the annual Filipino cultural festival.
Just a wonderful product of human imagination.
Just a wonderful product of human imagination.
This appears to be a scene from a coral reef.
This appears to be a scene from a coral reef.
A scuba diver among bubbles and rays of colored light.
A scuba diver among bubbles and rays of colored light.
I see a turtle, whale, starfish and octopus.
I see a turtle, whale, starfish and octopus.
Cartoon ocean creatures prompt smiles in Balboa Park!
Cartoon ocean creatures prompt smiles in Balboa Park!

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Don’t Believe the Hype painted on Horton Plaza!

A shopper standing on the asphalt braces against a Horton Plaza parking lot wall. Others have climbed up onto her shoulders.
A shopper standing on the asphalt braces against a Horton Plaza parking lot wall. Others have climbed up onto her shoulders.
People mount higher and higher like circus performers, trying to get a glimpse over the wall. Something wonderful must await on the other side!
People mount higher and higher like circus performers, trying to get a glimpse over the wall. Something wonderful must await on the other side!
This stack of humanity is beginning to resemble the Tower of Babel. I hope they don't fall!
This stack of humanity is beginning to resemble the Tower of Babel. I hope they don’t fall!
Don't believe the hype! That's some mighty tall street art!
Don’t believe the hype! That’s some mighty tall street art!

This impressive street art is visible on the south side of the Horton Plaza shopping mall, on G Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. It was painted in 2010 by Brazilian graffiti artists Os Gemeos, which is Portuguese for The Twins. The artists, who were breakdancers before they started painting graffiti almost 30 years ago, have become quite a sensation! The project was sponsored and promoted by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. But should we believe the hype?

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It’s always sunny in Hillcrest!

I believe in rollerblading! More fun utility box art in a San Diego neighborhood.
I believe in rollerblading. More fun utility box art in a San Diego neighborhood.

At the corner of Fifth and Spruce is a convenience store. Stop here on a sunny day and you can do more than grab a bag of chips. You can enjoy two colorful examples of street art!

It's always sunny in Hillcrest! (Follow the arrow. This is in Bankers Hill.)
It’s always sunny in Hillcrest!

To be exact, this is Bankers Hill. Hillcrest begins at Upas Street, a couple blocks to the north. I suppose that’s why someone drew an arrow.

Harsh angular shadow eclipses pastoral mural painted on a parking lot wall.
Dark shadow can’t harm this joyful street mural painted on a parking lot wall.
Magical fairy, flowers and tree behind dumpster. A touch of charming creativity in the city.
Magical fairy, flowers and tree behind dumpster. A touch of charming creativity in the city.

UPDATE!

Years later, I noticed the tooth fairy had magically appeared! (I believe the building with the mural is home to a dentist.)

IMG_8742z

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Art, stories, dance at World Water Day Celebration.

LOVE spelled out in chalk in the grassy park near the WorldBeat Center.
LOVE spelled out in chalk in the grassy park near the WorldBeat Center.

Today has been designated World Water Day. The essential message is that we should use our often limited water resources carefully and engage in water conservation.

I read that a World Water Day Celebration was to be held in Balboa Park at the WorldBeat Center, so I headed from downtown up Park Boulevard to see what was going on.

What I discovered was a lot of interesting knowledge and very cool fun!

World Water Day in Balboa Park included a kids poster contest, painting, music, dance, a water blessing, and a global meditation.
World Water Day in Balboa Park included a kids poster contest, painting, music, dance, a water blessing, and a global meditation.
Kids listen to stories out in a patch of shade on a warm Spring day in San Diego.
Kids listen to stories out in a patch of shade on a warm Spring day in San Diego.
This board included many great ideas on how to save water. This is unusually important in Southern California because of our ongoing drought.
This board included many great ideas on how to save water. This is unusually important in Southern California because of our ongoing drought.
Lots of creativity was going on during World Water Day.
Lots of creativity was being unleashed during World Water Day.
A talented artist named Alexander had a bunch of his work on display.
A talented artist named Alexander had his work on display.
A smile and unique self-portrait by Alexander.
A smile and unique self-portrait by Alexander.

Check out his amazing work on Facebook.

This friendly, cool artist was working in conjunction with Live Art by Davina Mendoza.
This super friendly, cool artist was working with Live Art by Davina Mendoza.
Inside the popular World Beat Center dance and music awaited.
Inside the popular World Beat Center dance and music awaited.
Poster shows how water is harvested from the air in Ethiopia!
Poster inside shows how water is harvested from the air in Ethiopia!
Watair creates atmospheric water generators (called air juicers). These devices produce pure drinking water while cleaning the air!
Watair creates atmospheric water generators (called air juicers). These devices produce pure drinking water while cleaning the air!
The colorful interior of the WorldBeat Cultural Center is alive with dancers and drummers.
The colorful interior of the WorldBeat Cultural Center is alive with dancers and a line of drummers!

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Creative kids paint San Diego River Estuary mural.

Kids were painting a public mural along the San Diego River Estuary this morning!
Youth helps paint a public mural along the San Diego River Estuary.

This morning, after I checked out the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, I headed out to the San Diego River Estuary and enjoyed a long, leisurely walk. I’d read that kids would be painting a cool mural next to the river, directly south of SeaWorld and east of the Sports Arena Boulevard/West Mission Bay Drive bridge.

When I arrived, the mural was nearly completed. The project was hosted by The San Diego River Park Foundation. Young artists also had an opportunity to do a little birdwatching!

Bicyclists heading down Old Sea World Drive spy a line of colorful artwork.
Bicyclists heading down Old Sea World Drive spy a line of colorful artwork.
The San Diego River Park Foundation is working to save our beautiful river.
The San Diego River Park Foundation is working to preserve the life-filled estuary.
Lots of paint cans contain the colors of wildlife and river scenery.
Lots of paint cans contain the colors of wildlife and river scenery.
San Diego River Park Foundation banner is positioned by murals painted by kids.
San Diego River Park Foundation banner is positioned near mural painted by kids.
Most of the painting was done when I walked by in the late morning.
Most of the painting was completed when I walked by in the late morning.
Adults were putting some finishing touches on cool public art.
Adults were putting some finishing touches on the cool public art.
A project of River Kids Discovery Days on March 14, 2015.
A project of River Kids Discovery Days on March 14, 2015.
Two great egrets in San Diego River Estuary not far from the mural project!
Two great egrets in San Diego River Estuary not far from the mural project!
San Diego Park Rangers were also painting a mural. This panel depicts a snowy egret.
San Diego Park Rangers were also painting. This panel depicts a snowy egret.
Mural artists sign their names on sign beside the San Diego River Trail.
Mural artists put their names on sign beside the San Diego River Trail.
Lots of kids turned out to add life and color to a fence bordering nature's beauty.
Lots of kids turned out to add life and color to a fence bordering nature’s beauty.

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Why the San Diego Padres now have Jedi powers.

Luke, I am your Padre!
Luke, I am your Padre!

Check out this fun street art!  A humorous image was recently painted on a shop window in San Diego. The truth has been revealed!

The San Diego Padres will subdue their baseball enemies this year by using powerful Jedi powers. I might even go to the dark side and root for Darth Vader if that’s what it takes to win a World Series.

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Four murals under Interstate 5 near Old Town.

Public art in San Diego honors those who serve in uniform, defending Peace, Liberty, Justice, America , Freedom.
Public art in San Diego honors those who serve in uniform, defending Peace, Liberty, Justice, America , Freedom.

Four large painted murals can be seen under Interstate 5 where the freeway passes over Rosecrans Street, just west of Old Town. The title of my blog post is a bit deceptive, because I only managed to get decent pics of three murals. The fourth, which depicts the Coronado Bay Bridge, was half in sunlight, half in darkness, and is the least interesting (in my opinion) of the four anyway.

Mural includes two colorful scenes from historic Old Town, just a short walk away.
Mural includes two colorful scenes from historic Old Town, just a short walk away.
Four large works of art can be glimpsed by motorists as they drive under the busy overpass.
Four works of art glimpsed by motorists as they drive under the busy overpass.
Pedestrians file past artwork that shows nearby San Diego River and wildlife.
Pedestrians file past artwork that shows nearby San Diego River and wildlife.

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Fading public art glows by neglected river trail.

San Diego Bay scene graces a fading mural in Mission Valley.
San Diego Bay scene graces a slowly fading mural in Mission Valley.

When you ride the San Diego Trolley’s Green Line between the Old Town and Linda Vista stations, an interesting mural can be glimpsed for a moment where the tracks span the San Diego River. The public art is best viewed when walking along the San Diego River Trail, between the rail and Pacific Highway bridges. The path down by the river is fairly popular with bicycles; it is also trash-filled and tagged with graffiti. I don’t know anything about this artwork. Faded a little bit by time and the elements, the images still impart a happy glow along the seemingly neglected river trail.

UPDATE!

Turns out this mural is called “On The River Trail” and was completed in 2008. The artist who designed it is Lori Escalera. The public art comes from the San Diego River Park Foundation.

Public art along the San Diego River Trail near Pacific Highway. The Coaster train can be seen passing across one of the rail bridges.
Public art along the San Diego River Trail near Pacific Highway. The Coaster train can be seen passing across one of the rail bridges.
Weathered by outdoor elements, the artwork still glows like an impressionist painting.
Weathered by outdoor elements, artwork still glows like an impressionist painting.
Dreamy yellow sunflower painted on an old wall seen by those who walk along river.
Dreamy yellow sunflower painted on old wall seen by those who walk along river.
A hummingbird hovers above brightly sunlit vegetation.
A hummingbird hovers above brightly sunlit vegetation.
Happy painted bicyclist greets those who travel down San Diego River Trail.
Happy painted bicyclist greets those who travel down San Diego River Trail.
Art shows painter inspired by the river's natural beauty.
Art shows painter inspired by the river’s natural beauty.
This artwork was lovingly planted for future enjoyment.
This artwork was lovingly planted for future enjoyment.

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