Street Art: Moreland Ave

Atlanta has really stepped up its street art game over the past decade. The quantity, quality, and creativity of public art keeps increasing, much to my delight. Thanks to organizations like Living Walls, dozens and dozens of murals in varying styles, sizes, stories, and levels of intricacy now breathe new life into Atlanta's neighborhoods, becoming an indelible part of their visual identity.

If the section of my blog dedicated to street art is any indication, I love this. I have a documented history of screeching my car to a halt whenever I spot new splashes of color around my city, little flutters of glee tickling my belly as I hop out for a closer look, drinking it in from all angles.

So I was particularly pleased to come across the colorful mural below, a new contender for my favorite in Atlanta.

Seen at the west corner of Moreland Ave and Boulevard Dr.

I'm a sucker for color blocking, using shapes to convey grander images, and water-like swirls. This piece almost looks in motion, doesn't it? Like her hair is undulating around her head.

Check out how her eyes are on window cutouts that kind of give her lashes.

And how cool is it that this was painted on brick? I adore interesting canvases.

There's actually a surprise on the other side of this building: another mural, but this one has a completely different tone and style.

What an expression.

And I like how the artist worked around the protruding elements of the building. Horizontal black bar across her eyebrows? Wooden square on her chin? Just go with it.

The color blends on her forehead and the shading between her nose and right eye are exquisite. I have always been impressed at how artists can draw light, and its accompanying shadows.

It kind of looks like firelight or a blazing sunset is casting its warm rays upon her face.

And the whimsical wisps of hair gives the piece even more kinetic energy. What talent.