On the topic of street art, I can probably argue for hours as to why I believe it is indeed a legitimate form of art. Having lived in various cities where everything from skyscrapers to subway cars are "bombed" with images and words, I find it inspiring when these outdoor masterpieces spark fiery conversations between people from all walks of life. And one graffiti artist who has managed to do so without question is Banksy.
Very little is known about the man behind the stencil-like street art that stretches across England (as his anonymity is just as big as his work). However, Banksy's famous wall paintings, including depicting Queen Elizabeth II as a chimpanzee and drawing a naked man against the side of a sexual health clinic, speak volumes to his identity as a political and social activist.
Influenced by such thought-provoking graffiti, Chelsea King of Get Nailed gave her recent manicure the Banksy touch. She used fine point synthetic fiber brushes to mimic his technique. And we must say she pulled it off effortlessly. Another one of Chelsea's DIY nail art tricks: Pouring nail polish onto a piece of aluminum foil, then dipping her brushes in as the foil keeps the polish from drying out too quickly. Scroll down for our tips on how to paint this graffiti art onto your nails.
Photos: Banksy yellow flower street art, Getty; Essie Licorice; Julep Delaunay; Zoya Robyn; OPI Need Sunglasses?; Chelsea's Banksy street art manicure.
Dripping heart design: Apply two coats of Essie Looking For Love (a soft lilac shade) as a base, then allow to dry before drawing on a heart in Julep Delaunay (a chili pepper red crème color). Create the "bleeding heart" effect by dragging the tip of your brush downwards.Queen Elizabeth design: For this royal-meets-David Bowie nail art (which was actually created by Incwel of the Wooster Collective, who is heavily influenced by Banksy), use feather-like strokes to draw on the queen's face. Use Zoya Robyn (a turquoise cream shade) and Julep Delaunay to create the lightening bolt across her face."Cancelled Follow Your Dreams" design: Paint on the words "Follow Your Dreams" using Essie Licorice (a jet black) before scribbling on "Cancelled" with a white nail art pen on the red rectangular background.Yellow flower design: Brush the entire nail in Essie Licorice, then draw a yellow flower in OPI Need Sunglasses?
Seal the manicure with Seche Vite top coat for a glossy finish. Once dry, use an old angled eyeliner brush (or Q-tip cotton swab) dipped in acetone to clean up the design around the edges.
What do you think about this Bansky-inspired manicure? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
Meanwhile, see which children's picture book came to life on this blogger's pointy set of nails.
Click through the slideshow below for more DIY nail art.
DIY Nail Art
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