This past weekend we went to something called ArtSplash in Carlsbad. We’d never been before, so didn’t know what to expect. I was happy to see sidewalk artists creating really beautiful chalk “paintings” on the bare asphalt. It always amazes me to see someone produce such beauty, only to have it washed away. In Little Italy they have a similar art walk, but many of the artists work on removable paper. I understand that–it would be pretty hard to see your masterpiece obliterated after all that work. Enjoy. . . .
It wasn’t hot the day we were here (80 F.) but the sun is so intense in San Diego County, I don’t know how this guy could stand working in all black clothing. Love his work.
A closer look.
Just one more. I like how the texture of the asphalt almost makes the art look like a fresco.
Knee pads are kind of a must.
That blue in the distance is the Pacific Ocean. I had no idea this place had ocean views.
Love the colors and details in this one.
The show was on Saturday and Sunday. We went on Sunday, so some of the pieces were completed, but a lot of artists were still working when we got there.
Isn’t this beautiful?
Here’s a shot with the original painting too. . . .
There was one mishap, and it happened seconds before we got there! You can see what it was supposed to look like in the photo in the center: Marilyn Monroe in plastic water bottles. At least they had a sense of humor about it.
I took a lot of photos, so will divide this into three parts. Part II on Friday.
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
Great looking street art. Looking forward to the others.
It really was a feast for the eyes.
Beautiful. Artists amaze me, they simply amaze me.
Me too.
Stunning! There is a kind of bittersweet poignancy to the fact that their creations are fleeting.
You mentioned how difficult this work is for the artists — not only their knees, but their backs and necks too! I imagine they ache all over.
I wonder about that too. Maybe they’re enjoying their work so much they don’t think about it?
Some of the artists had umbrellas for the sun, but many didn’t. That would do me in.
This is amazing. I find it admirable that they can just let go of their creations like that.
I’m not sure I could do it, Caroline.
Stunning, isn’t it! I’ve seen sidewalk art in Toronto but these images are masters!
They really are wonderful, aren’t they. It’s been a while since I viewed the sidewalk art in Little Italy, but it was on par with these or better.
Couldn’t they have just removed the bottles, or would that have destroyed the painting?
The art was made up from the bottles, so yes, that would have destroyed it.
Your gravatar is working. 🙂
The detail accomplished by simply using chalk on a sidewalk is amazing. And to think it will all be washed away…. Great captures of their work! I especially love the details in Frank Rock’s work.