Exploring Downtown LA Street Art

The ever-changing downtown LA street art scene is one of my favorite places to explore in the city.  It’s where my love for street art began.  The art in this city is hip, quirky, and beautiful.

Much of the art is inspirational and interesting.  There are murals, small art pieces, graffiti art, and more.

With camera in hand, we set out to find the most famous art pieces. But, instead, we found many surprises along our way as we ran into other cool art.

The Vibe at Dowtown LA Steet Art

The Downtown LA street art scene is a thriving one.  People are drawn to this area because it’s a rich experience and fun to walk around.  We could have spent much more time here finding great art, but you need plenty of time to truly enjoy it.

Some of the trendy pieces will usually have photographers and fashion bloggers practicing their photo sessions.

Although it’s an area populated by homeless residents, it also has a surrounding area under development.  Just north of the LA arts district, you find Little Tokyo.  To the west side, you see the Theater District.  They are also fun places to explore.

Though the downtown LA street art scene is trendy, it used to be an industrial area with warehouses and factories.  However, local activists designated the area as the “Arts District” in the ’90s.  Since then, it has slowly become a place where hipsters hang out. There are also theaters, restaurants, and galleries nearby.

It has also become a place where artists from LA create pieces that are modern and abstract.  Some pieces are long-term, while other pieces come and go.  It’s ever-changing, and you find new art each time you visit. Some pieces are beautiful, and I wouldn’t want them to go.  However, the beauty of the Art District is that it gives opportunities to new aspiring artists to display their work.

Downtown LA Street Art

Here are some of my favorite finds!

“Every piece of ivory comes from a dead elephant.”  This is the message that Damon Martin portrays in his elephant mural. The International Fund for Animal Welfare, which helps rescue and protect animals worldwide, funded this piece. It was one of my favorites.

“Cream of the Crop” was painted by German twin brothers Raoul and David Perre.  The cartoon on the left is by Dabs & Myla, an Australian couple.

Tristan Eaton is an LA-based artist.  This piece above is called “Piece by Piece.  He painted this mural at the Container Yard.  The mural addresses the conflicts and debate around gun violence and control in the U.S.  You can see more on Instagram.

Ricardo Gonzalez sprays his words across different places.  You can check out his Instagram at itsaliving.

Collette Miller first started placing these angel wings across LA, but now she has them worldwide.  The wings represent peace, love, kindness, compassion, and hope. You can find her art across the city. Check out more of her art here.

Go on Instagram and hashtag #lovewall or #bleedinghearts to see art pieces by artist and muralist James Goldcrown.  His work has become a popular backdrop for social media influencers.  The artwork consists of colorful heart murals, hence the perfect backdrop for fashionistas.  Take a look at his work.

One of my favorite pieces is by WRDSMTH.  His work of art includes inspirational pieces that are spray-painted and stenciled, usually next to a typewriter.  You can see more of his work of inspiring and motivational messages on his Instagram.

Location of downtown LA Street Art:

The downtown LA street art is near the LA bridge.  Mainly sitting on a three-block area, you can find it on E. 3rd Street.  It is easily accessible by getting off 4th St. from the 110 Freeway.  You can park near 4th and Merrick, where you will find the mural of two lovers.  If you want to take a walking tour of art in LA, you can do so through here or here.

Food and Drinks

One popular spot to stop at when you’re thirsty is the Arts District Brewing Co.  It’s an excellent place for beer, fun games, and a great atmosphere.  The brewing restaurant has four house brews to enjoy.  And just nearby, you can find great food and deserts at Little Tokyo.  It’s another great area to explore!

Are you looking for other things to do in LA? Then, check out these places too.

• Beaches in LA
• Downtown LA
• Catalina Island Getaway

Downtown LA Street Art