Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 5 April 2015

Sunday Selections #218

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.

Like River I usually run with a theme. Our local Government is working hard at the moment in an attempt to revitalise our city centre.  I saw an article which said as part of the process they were opening up a service laneway in the heart of the city to street art.  I had to go into town anyway one day this week, so I took the camera.

The art started as I headed out the door.

A stunning sunrise.




It takes me two bus trips to get into town.  I changed buses at an interchange, and admired, as always, a mural on the wall.




Another bus trip, and then to the laneway in question.
















It is still not an enticing or particularly inviting area, but the colour does liven it up.  I would be happy to see the work going further up those walls too.  Much more work to do, but a promising start.

175 comments:

  1. It is so nice to see people given the opportunity to share their artistry. Those are amazing.

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    1. Birdie: There is a lot of street art in the city, but most of it is more formal than this. I do like to see all of it.

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  2. look at all the colorful murals, wonderful to brighten the streets of the city

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  3. Wow, there are some amazing artists living in your area! Dig the Storm Troopers.

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    1. Alex J Cavanaugh: I liked the Ninja too - which reminded me of you.

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  4. Such a lively part of what could be a dull part of the city! The dragons are amazing.

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    1. Susan Kane: I have a HUGE soft spot for dragons. Always.

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  5. Good job. Nothing to my taste, but so what. The artists certainly enjoy making their art and living in it, too.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Most of it isn't to my taste either - but I love that it is there. We have art in the city I love, art I don't like, and art I don't understand. And I wouldn't willingly give up any of it.

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    2. Some of it looks scary to me. But I so like the idea of street art being used to brighten up a place.

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    3. Guyana-Gyal: Snap. I hope the idea continues. And that artists with different focuses play.

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    1. Sue In Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Fun anyway.

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  7. Very colourful.

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    1. Delores: It was a fairly dingy alley. The colour lifts it.

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  8. So many great artists. Love the pics.

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    1. RaShelle Workman: I am always blown away by artistic talent. All of it.

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  9. SO much better than gang symbols!!

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    1. fishducky: No arguments. And better than meaningless (to me anyway) tags as well.

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  10. Yes, I agree with you, it really needs a bit a re-painting, or the difference painting. Ah well.
    The evening shows colours are beautiful EC.

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    1. Bob Bushell: Hopefully they will continue. A start has been made at least.

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  11. A gorgeous sunrise to start your day.
    Street art is always interesting - not always to my choice, but varied and very colourful. It does brighten up the lane way.

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    1. CountryMum: Our sunrises are usually much more muted affairs. Galah colours - soft greys and pinks. This was an unexpected treat. I agree with you about street art. It is often not to my taste, but I love to see it anyway.

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  12. Yes, that building needed those splashes of color.
    And the sky...awe, your Aussie skies mesmerize me.
    Take care, EC. Thanks for the lovely photos, as always.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: It needs more colour yet. Hopefully it will get it too. The sky is a delight. Always. And I too am mesmerized. Have a great weekend. And a day off from A to Z.

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  13. Beautiful colors. Especially on such dull buildings. You always find something interesting to show us.

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    1. Teresa: Thank you. I often worry that I am going to bore people to sobs with my obsessions.

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  14. The sky really is stunning. Beautiful shots as always.
    Happy Easter!

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    1. Lux G.: And a very Happy Easter to you and yours.

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  15. Incredible artwork.

    It rained through the night here...and it's still drizzling now and foggy. I headed out early to the bakery to pick up my hot Hot Cross buns.

    Have a good week ahead, EC...to you, The Skinny One and the two Js. :)

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    1. Lee: Rain? We were promised rain yesterday and the day before. We had five half-hearted spits yesterday. Sigh.
      Enjoy your hot cross buns - and have a wonderful fur and purr filled week.

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    2. We have had a lot of rain these past few days...it's supposed to clear away tomorrow, Monday.

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    3. Lee: We have had a lot promised. And the weather boys pants are on fire. More promised today, and I doubt it.

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  16. Hey E.C.,

    I admire anyone who can get up to catch a great sunrise... I'm so much more a sunrise guy :)

    Those artists really are fantastic and I'm glad the city is giving them an outlet... the Star Wars one is amazing!

    I agree, the lane is not really "sexy" yet, but boy, it looks a whole lot better (safer even?) than a "regular" lane.

    Happy Easter :)

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    1. Mark Koopmans: Insomnia means I see a LOT of sunrises. I am not all that often out in them though. Love me a good sunset too.
      That particular alley is mostly used by service trucks delivering goods, and as a short-cut between streets. I think it is safe(ish) and certainly looks brighter than it did. The Storm Troopers were great weren't they?

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  17. Replies
    1. kylie: It is fun isn't it? How are you? You have been a bit quiet and I have missed you.

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    2. I'm good! just dont seem to have a lot to say. (I do check every post of yours, even when i'm quiet) it's nice to know i'm missed :)

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    3. kylie: I meant quiet generally - not just here, but it is lovely to hear that you check every post. And even better to hear that you are fine.

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  18. Sure looks like they are on right path to colorful city. I would choose flowers and clouds instead of claws, but it is all a matter of opinion!

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    1. Bookie: My greedy self would like clouds, rainbows, flowers, butterflies AND claws.

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  19. I love seeing this, EC. We don't have to like it - that's not the point. It's creative, colourful and bright, and so much better than dull dirty walls or random tags. Thank you for these - and Happy Easter!

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    1. Alexia: I am lucky. There is a LOT of artwork in my city (largely thanks to a chief Minister from some years back). Of course I don't like it all - but I love that it is there. And the street art is an extension which I also welcome.

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  20. Give it time and it may come together. Just add some tables and chairs (no backs on the chairs keeps the oldies away) among the rubbish bins, a window serving coffee, many discarded cigarette buts and some graffiti over the murals and presto, Melbourne laneway culture.

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    1. Andrew: There are tables and chairs popping up on the road the lane comes off. And it is nice to understand why the chairs have no backs to them. Over time perhaps more will move into the lane.

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  21. Oh yes, lucky I did not put my sunrise photos up this morning or we would have had a hat trick of Aussie sunrise photos.

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    1. You should have, we would have had a hat trick of sunrise photos....
      (*~*)

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    2. Andrew: I am with River. A hat trick of sunrises wouldn't have gone astray. All with no collusion... and certainly very different too.

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  22. That Batman is my fave. There's some pretty great artists there!

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    1. mail4rosey: I liked several of them. And envied their talent.

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  23. Exquisite! I'm sorry you have to take such a long bus trip though. I hope they continue on with the murals. They could do much to revitalize the area.

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    1. River Fairchild: I don't mind bus trips most of the time (unless I am in a hurry). I eavesdrop on conversations, admire gardens through the window and zone out. The murals were a treat at the end. I suspect they will continue, and hope they expand.

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  24. Better sunrise than mine!
    I like the train station mural, but the street art is fabulous! I like the Star Wars characters, but can never remember which ones they are. Jedi? Or not? I haven't seen any of the Star Wars movies, but I plan to remedy that this year. I'll buy the box set if I can, although it won't be soon. I need new shoes.

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    1. River: I was lucky. The sunrise was blazing as I stepped out the door. When I got to the bus-stop less than five minutes later it was pretty much gone.

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  25. Replies
    1. River: They look really good on that wall. As if they belong there.

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  26. Do you know how much I enjoy traveling these streets and seeing these sights with you? If you don't, well it's not because I don't tell you! I love this, EC, and I'm so glad I have your beautiful murals along with you. :-)

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    1. DJan: Thank you. I am really, really happy to share my world. Its beauty, its confusion - and some days its pain. Hugs.

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  27. Your photos of urban mural work are superb. Such a movement began in my city 20 years ago and still has momentum. The result is a constant reminder that noise and pressure are not the predominant influences on our moods, dispositions, our lives. There can be color, imagery serious and whimsical, sacred and profane. Oh my, you have some fine artists there.

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    1. Geo.: I hope those talented artists come back and hear just how much people appreciate them. Colour adds so much and, as you say the sheer variety of the imagery speaks to so many of us. Saying different things on different days to different people, but connecting us. Which is lovely.

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  28. Wow, those are really cool.

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    1. mshatch: Sometimes local government gets it right. Not often, but sometimes.

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  29. What a wonderful way to revitalize the city!!!! I love it. I have to say that I am most sold on the storm troopers.

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    1. Sonya Ann: They really nailed the storm troopers didn't they? I really liked seeing them behind the cars parked there. Looming.

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  30. So much talent there! Thanks for bringing it to us.

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    1. jenny_o: So much talent, so much fun. I do like a mural or six.

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  31. Your skies are like a constantly changing watercolour artist's palette - and very inspirational, EC.

    Some great examples of street art! I hope they continue with it and allow for more refreshingly talented street artists to hone their skills.

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    1. Vicki: The sunrise was a bonus. A big bonus. We much more often have soft skies (also beautiful) in the morning.
      And yes, I hope this initiative takes off across the city.

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  32. Well, you know my take on street art! Hats off to the City.

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    1. dinahmow: Long may it last. And hooray for street art encouraged and celebrated.

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  33. Nice to see Andrew join the Sunday Selections gang. I love Street art ~ Grace over at Perth Daily Photos features a lot of street art on her blog.

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    1. Carol: Andrew quite often joins us - and gives us very varied views. Which I love. Off to check out Grace's work now - thank you.

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  34. Beautiful sunrise shots!, my darlin' went out tonight and got a moonrise shot for me, the sweetheart.
    Have to agree the laneway is a bit dismal, but the murals do brighten it up; lotta talent on those walls!

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    1. Jaxquelineand...: Moonrise? I fail there. Badly and so hope your darlin' got it right. And love that he went out for you.

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  35. These are some beautiful murals including the sunrises my friend, I enjoyed seeing them!

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    1. Lon Anderson: There is beauty everywhere isn't there? But I did enjoy the explosions of colour - in the sky and on the walls.

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  36. Replies
    1. Terri @ Coloring Outside the Lines. Stunning aren't they?

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  37. I love street art - especially when authorized like this and that gives artists a vehicle for their talent.

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    1. Lynn: I also love street art - including much of the subversive unauthorised kinds. And tags and obscenities are not art and don't count. Love that this is safe from removal though.

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  38. What a good way to display street art. It's amazing how much talent there is in our own towns. I wish we developed a venue like that in mine. Thanks for sharing and for taking those bus rides. Hope you have a good week.

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    1. Myrna R: Isn't it a clever use of the space? A space which was dull and completely lacking in charm has come to at least partial life. And a good week to you and yours.

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  39. I love street art. Such talent used naturally! Thanks for sharinb <3
    Untethered Realms

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    1. Gwen Gardener: Isn't it wonderful that our local Government gave them an outlet for that talent. Win/win.

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  40. It is a start, and what a brilliant one. I love all the superheroes, especially the Wonder Woman one.

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    1. All Consuming: My favourite changed as I turned around. I have a huge soft spot for dragons, thought the Storm Trooper belonged on the wall, and had a sneaky fondness for the seated ninja.

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  41. This looks so interesting - not necessarily what I like, but it is colorful, artful and done by talented artists. Street art can be so versatile. I actually really like the mural at the first bus station, and I was wondering whether this is a giant snake who had a kangaroo for lunch. Or does it represent something completely different that I am not aware of?

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    1. Carola Bartz: I didn't like all of the murals either, but love that they are there.
      The first mural is strongly Australian, featuring our native birds and animals. The Rainbow Serpent has immense significance to our indigenous population. Lots of stories, but it is often seen as a creator - with the power to destroy.

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  42. Your commute is DEFINITELY more interesting than mine ever was. Sure--we have lots of green trees along the interstate, but we don't have anything that beautiful on our buildings!

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    1. Stephanie Faris. We are renowned for being a boring city. Which I would dispute, but am happy that the visitors stay away.

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  43. Street art can be very gritty and very beautiful at the same time. I love how lifelike the Storm Troopers are.

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    1. Michael D'Agostino: They fit right into their shabby surroundings don't they. Belong there.

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    1. Tammy Theriault: So do I - but the monochromatic Storm Troopers are impressive too.

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  45. Wow... the art is just gorgeous. Love the colors.

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    1. T.F Walsh: Welcome - and thank you. I am a big fan of art (and colour) myself.

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  46. I can't imagine leaving at sunrise but then that's just little old lazy me.
    Those 'works of art' are rather amazing, some of them a little daunting but they certainly brighten up an otherwise dull area. I do agree it would be good to cover more of the walls with colour to make the place even brighter.

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    1. Mimsie: I am usually up well before sunrise, but not usually out and about. I was heading in to do a shift at Lifeline.
      It will be interesting to see what happens to that lane. I hope they continue their good work.

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  47. I have to say your photographs are uplifting, loved the star wars troopers. How about we become good GFC bloggie friends?

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  48. What a gorgeous sunrise. And wow, those murals are wonderful. Have a great week! :)

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    1. Christine Rains: Thank you - and an excellent week to you and yours as well.

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  49. Replies
    1. T Powell Coltrin: Welcome and thank you. I take a LOT of photos and splash them about here.

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  50. Really amazing. Look at the 3-D images they can create as murals!
    And, your sunrise photos are breathtaking.
    Play off the Page

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    1. Mary Aalgaard: I so admire people with artistic talents and skills. I am an appreciator rather than a creator - and that sunrise WAS breataking.

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  51. wonderful photos- amazing graffiti ART! Cheers.

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    1. Kathe W.: It is so much better than tags and obscenity isn't it? And much more colourful too.

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  52. So much ART everywhere!! That is amazing. Too bad it's in an area that's a bit shady, but glad you photographed it for us to see. Love the sunrise photos as well... Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com

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    1. Lisa: Welcome and thank you. I am amazed that with so much going on you are able to visit people NOT in the A to Z.

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  53. Very cool street art. Here from Alex's site. Great photos!

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    1. Intangible Hearts: Welcome and thank you (and Alex). Street art is often a joy, and I am always glad to see it.

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  54. Quite inventive. Here, in the states, they're revitalizing city centers too. Use of art is part of that altho it's more mural and less graffiti. Looking at your pictures I have to say there are some artists that love star wars and comics. :-) That sunrise is stunning!

    Sia McKye Over Coffee

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    1. ~Sia McKye~: We have a mix. Some of the art is quite formal, and I am glad that they have allowed some vibrant graffiti into the mix. It will be interesting to see whether these artworks are tagged and defaced. I hope not.

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  55. A dragon! That's a fantastic mural. Actually, I like several of them very much. Would love to do something like that sometime.
    Sunrises are inspiring! Dragon Hugs!

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    1. Al Diaz: I thought of you when I saw the dragon mural. And of Alex when I saw the ninja. Dragon hugs gratefully received - and returned.

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  56. All the murals are amazing, although I must admit, I liked the first murals best. Koalas appeal much more to me than Super Heroes. Such beautiful sunrises are an incentive to get up early!

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    1. Susan F.: On a personal level I like the Rainbow Serpent mural best too, but I am very glad to see art wherever it pops up.

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  57. Amazing art! I would love to see US cities like Detroit and Philadelphia allow artists to paint murals on all of the abandoned/derelict buildings and warehouses. Seems like it would be a win/win situation for everyone - the artists, the local population, and visitors. Thanks for the photos. Greetings from A to Z!

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    1. Li: Welcome and Thank you. I am always happy to see a mural (or several murals). And agree, definitely a win/win.

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  58. What a beautiful series of sunset pictures. Love the colors. The murals and other art are very bright and vibrant. Nice to see art showcased in such a way and how wonderful that the artwork is making the area look brighter. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: Sunrise rather than sunset - but a treat to start the day on. A treat followed by the treat of the art. All in all a good day.

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  59. Wonderful art - love that sunrise!

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  60. oh happy day for the urban artists who were told
    it was okay to draw on the walls:)
    -Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: A happy day for them - and many happy days for the people who come afterwards and have their days brightened.

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  61. Hi Sue,

    You are not imagining this! It's almost three thirty in the morning and I trying to muster up the energy to comment. Ironically, part of my exhaustion also means erratic sleep.

    After the stunning sunrise and the trip into town. I love such wall murals. One time it was considered graffiti. Now it can be used to enhance.

    Take care, my kind friend.

    Hugs,

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: Dear Gary, fatigue is the MS symptom which causes me most problems so I have so idea of just how vile you are feeling. And am all too familiar with the 'too tired to sleep caper'. It is lovely to see you, and I so hope that some solution for your woes can be found.
      Hugs.

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  62. Interesting street art, but I must say, nature does it better!

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    1. Karen: I like them both. I want them both - but yes, the sunrise was sublime.

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  63. Those murals are fabulous - but the sunrises are my favourite.

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    1. ladyfi: Our sunrises are generally much more muted than that, and I fired off photo after photo after photo.

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  64. I think the Stormtroopers painting is my favorite. It looks like they are really standing there which is a bit creepy! The sunrise is the most gorgeous of all though, how beautiful.

    Thanks so much for coming by Untethered Realms and for your comments about my books!

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    1. Julie Flanders: The Stormtrooper fit in amazingly well don't they?
      And yay for sunrise. Another nice one today, but I was too lazy to go outside.

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  65. Awesome personalityin these artworks. It couldn't have been easy painting them from such great heights but the results, wow.

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    1. Spacerguy: I hadn't thought about the difficulties, but you are right. It would have been fascinating watching them at work.

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  66. A lovely theme, the skies are gorgeous and those murals are really nice.

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  67. Amazing! I love all the murals. We have murals here in San Antonio, too, again in not one of the best areas of town, but the best for public artwork.

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    1. Carol Kilgore: Art lifts any area. Every area. And I do love public art.

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  68. I don't know what's more beautiful- the sunset or the graphiti- but the color palate of both is spectacular!

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    1. Beverly Fox: Welcome and thank you. There is so much beauty around - when I remember to open my eyes, my mind, my heart.

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  69. Stopping by again... just to say *thank you* for stopping by so often over this past week.

    It is much appreciated :)

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    1. Mark Koopmans: Not a problem. The A to Z is a huge ask, more than I can manage, and I am happy to applaud those braver than me.

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  70. These murals are amazing! My favorite is the storm troopers behind the car.

    You can find me here:
    ClarabelleRant

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    1. Clarabelle Rant: Welcome. The Stormtroopers were the winners this week I think - and I agree, they just belong on that wall...

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  71. Wall murals and street art like this are so incredible! It's so fun to walk or drive through and just see all the bright colors.
    I also love those shots of the sky at the top!

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    1. 2justByou: I love it too. And the sky. Always the sky.

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  72. The building art is wonderful. Some really talented artists. Nice.

    Untethered Realms / MPax

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  73. I would daresay that, in the last photos, the influence of youthful testosterone is very evident. I looked for graffiti in the top ones (it being so evident here), but only found a little.

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    1. Snowbrush: There is some graffiti in the city, and I think that encouraging street art is one way being used to try and discourage it. Time will tell.

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    2. “There is some graffiti in the city, and I think that encouraging street art is one way being used to try and discourage it. Time will tell.”

      Maybe. What I saw in one of the photos looked like a gang signature, and probably the best way to deal with gangs is to kill their members. I actually remember a time when there was little to know graffiti here (in my town) and when it arrived, there was an effort to paint it over quickly, but it has become overwhelming, and the ugliest--and scariest--of it is left by gangs.

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    3. Snowbrush: If, as I suspect, you mean the last photo the 'gang signature' has been there for years. We don't (I think) have much of a gang culture. A few teenage 'wanna-be's". We do have some tagging, mostly on fences and storm water drains. In areas where public art has been allowed there is less graffiti. Not none, but less.

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  74. Amazing photos thanks for sharing Lx

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    1. FamilyAffairs: My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed them.

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  75. The colors are amazing! Good work with the camera.

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    1. Riot Kitty: Those colours really 'popped' didn't they?

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  76. Take away the writing in the last image and i can almost visualize being at the beach!

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    1. Spacerguy: Or in the woods. The writing/graffiti in that image predates the art attack. Hopefully it doesn't spread.

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  77. Holy crap, all those murals are amazing! The dragons and Wolverine would have made my week back when I was a kid. Gorgeous work!

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    1. John Wiswell: I still have a huge weakness for dragons. My inner child is alive and well.

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  78. Those street art are amazing, just as are the two pictures of the beautiful sky!

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  79. I am struck by the elegant artistry of these dynamic superheroes.

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    1. Spacerguy: I am really impressed that you return every comment. Not needed, but nice. And there will be a new post up here tomorrow so you get a change of scenery.

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  80. I like the storm troopers and all the super hero murals. Your area seems very dedicated to art and beauty.

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    1. Strayer: It is a bit of a mixed bag. There are some beautiful spots, and a lot of art. There is also a lot of complaining every time a new piece is installed. Mostly on cost basis, sometimes because the complainer doesn't like the piece in question.

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  81. the street art is so much fun! hope it continues to expand. and your sunset photos always stir my heart <3 hope all is well.

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    1. Raquel Somatra: How nice to see you. I hope you and the grape (who is bigger than a grape now) are doing really, really well.

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