L.A. life in glorious colour...

After all those wonderful images in black and white, I couldn't resist showcasing Los Angeles in glorious, full blown colour.

Even though the Californian sunshine can make everything look sun-bleached at times, that just makes the colours here even more vibrant.

'Hymn of Life Tulips' sculpture

You can't get more colourful than this quirky sculpture by Yayoi Kusuma in Beverly Gardens Park, Beverly Hills.

Flowers at The Getty Center

How could you not love this stunning flower in the Central Garden at The Getty, especially against that deep blue sky.

Angels Attic Museum angel

This ornate angel sculpture in front of the Angels Attic antique dollhouse museum on Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica was discovered on my Angel Quest around the streets of L.A.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

I love the tulip-like quality of the curved design at the back of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown L.A., which is nicely fringed by the pink blossom.

Santa Monica Pier funfair

I say it all the time, but I love how blue the L.A. sky is. Maybe it's just how flat the horizon is here so you can see more of it, or maybe it's because we're so close to the Pacific Ocean, or maybe it's just 'because'. I think the colourful carriages of this ferris wheel look amazing against the Californian sky in Santa Monica.

Sycamore Cove

Living in California, compared to the metropolitan life of London, it's always such a treat to make it to the sandy shores of the ocean. This is a picture of our seven month old pup at Sycamore Cove in Ventura County (not strictly L.A., but part of our adventures here), nicely framed by the sand, sea and sky.

West Hollywood Gay Pride Parade 2009

You can't get more colourful than the Gay Pride Parade in West Hollywood in June. I especially loved this superheroes float featuring classic Marvel Comics characters such as the Silver Surfer, Wolverine and Spider-man.

L.A. sunset from Runyon Canyon

Another thing I love about living in L.A. is the beautiful sunsets you see all year around. This one is of the sun going down over the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, viewed from the fantastic hiking trails of Runyon Canyon.

Andaz Hotel 'Tapestry' sculpture

I like this eye-catching multi-layered hexagonal sculpture outside the Andaz Hyatt Hotel on Sunset Boulevard. It's by Jacob Hasimoto and is appropriately called 'Tapestry'.

Long Beach Seaport

You'll find this pretty bit of floral planting at the Long Beach Seaport near the infamous retired Queen Mary ocean liner.

Pacific Design Center

Not only does the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood stand out for its striking architecture, but the green and blue coloured buildings (with a new red one on the way) makes it even more of a design statement.

Santa Monica sunset

Another of my beloved sunsets, this one viewed from Palisades Park in Santa Monica.

West Hollywood Peter Shire sculptures

These vibrant geometric sculptures by Peter Shire in West Hollywood are not everyone's cup of tea, but on closer inspection they are more detailed and quirky than you'd expect.

Autobot movie cars from Transformers 2

'Hooray for Hollywood' I say and personally I love the fact that you can see original movie costumes, props and vehicles at the ArcLight Hollywood cinema. These sporty Autobot cars from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen were photographed in the courtyard area outside the cinema in June 2009.

The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood

I have to say that The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood is great fun ad you can't really miss it with all those bright fairground colours.

Urban Light outside LACMA

Not only is Chris Burden's Urban Light installation outside LACMA eye-catching at the best of times, but in the summer this year they covered the building beside it in multi-coloured streamers which looked really amazing.

West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval 2009

We had great fun at our second West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval in October. We brought the red, green, yellow and blue to this superhero ensemble in the form of the 'Dynamic Duo', Batman and Robin.

Mzee 'wise one' angel sculpture

This wonderful mosaic angel resides in Downtown L.A. and is part of theCommunity of Angels sculptural project from 2000 and 2002.

L.A. City Hall

The red, white and blue stars and stripes fly at L.A. City Hall Downtown.

Hollywood Bowl pyrotechnics

I love fireworks and it's always so hard to capture great images of them at night, so I loved the opportunity to try at the Prokofiev concert at the Hollywood Bowl this year.

Kylie Minogue concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Speaking of the Hollywood Bowl, you couldn't get more spectacular and dazzling than the lightshow at Kylie Minogue's first ever concert at the outdoor amphitheater at the beginning of October.

Kylie Minogue lightshow finale at the Hollywood Bowl

The 'Princess of Pop' certainly did us proud.

Henry Moore's 'Bronze Form' sculpture

This gleaming gold sculpture at The Getty Sculpture Garden really makes an impressive statement and looks amazing framed by the surrounding greenery and blue skies above.

Aroma Cafe

One of my favourite eateries in L.A. for breakfast, brunch and lunch, Aroma Cafe on Tujunga Avenue in Studio City, has a great neon sign.

The Central Garden in bloom

Whatever time of year you go to The Getty Center, the Central Garden always seems to be in bloom, from rich bougainvillea arbours to the 500 or so species of flowers and shrubs growing there all year around.

Cooper at Runyon Canyon

Our adorable yellow Labrador under dreamy blue skies at Runyon Canyon. This is why we moved to L.A.

North view from The Getty Center

As well as the amazing architecture of the buildings, landscaped gardens and variety of art on offer, the other thing that I love about a visit to The Getty is the amazing views to be had of the surrounding L.A. basin.

Graffiti angel

A recent find from my search for angel imagery in the City of Angels, this colourful street art makes up for the often repetitive and disappointing architecture in Los Angeles.

Sunset over Downtown L.A.

Driving back from our first trip out to the deserts of Palm Springs, I snapped this wonderful burnt orange sunset over Downtown L.A.

I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse of how colourful L.A. life can be. I'll keep taking the photos, if you keep stopping by to visit....

Cool TV, movie and sexy billboards around L.A. in November...

It's that time of the month again to share the latest billboards adding some colour and intrigue to L.A.'s skyline.

From my latest poll I can already tell that the majority of you would like to see more hot male models and there are others who enjoy these monthly advertising billboard updates, so I think you'll all be satisfied with November's selection of TV, movie, fashion, alcohol and other billboards.

In fact I'd go as far to say there's something for everyone this month.

Fashion billboards

What did I say? First up is this raunchy ad from Armani Exchange along Sunset Boulevard. They along with Calvin Klein are two companies who regularly change their creatives, as there's nothing worse than seeing the same billboards for months on end (especially post-Christmas).

They certainly got their monies worth out of Jamie Dornan and Eva Mendes for these sexy Calvin Klein underwear billboards.

And didn't I say there was something for everyone this month. I have to say actress Eva Mendes looks pretty impressive, not to mention raunchy, along the Sunset Strip.

Australian underwear and sportswear company, AussieBum, has also refreshed its creatives this month along Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood.

Movie billboards

How could I not have a billboard for the Twilight sequel, New Moon, this month. Mind you it's not a heavy weight billboard campaign, so I suppose they are assuming that the hordes of Bella and Edward fans will flock to see the movie regardless of advertising.

I think I would have liked to have seen a few of the hot buff werewolves from the new film gracing the L.A. skyline this month myself.

Speaking of hot buff men, it looks like Matt Damon has regained his muscular physique for this South African based rugby movie, Invictus, after his turn as the overweight Informant earlier this year.

Next up are two more fine gents, Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr, in Guy Ritchie's revival of Sherlock Holmes coming this Christmas. The trailer looks great, so I'm hoping that the director can break the curse of his 'one-trick-wonder' film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels that the 'mock-ney' (i.e. mock cokney) has built his career out of (oh, and being married to Madonna of course).

I just had to include two pictures of this latest creative for Disney's new animated film The Princess and the Frog, as it stands out so well against the blue Californian sky and you can see the spooky creative from quite a distance away. Check out October's billboards for more colourful executions for the movie.

On a slightly different note for Thanksgiving this year is this martial arts action movie, Ninja Assassin, which looks like it will be bloody fun. I like a bit of ninja action now and again.

Next is another apocalyptic creative for the CGI blockbuster, 2012.

Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker in another romantic comedy? I'm shocked. It'll be interesting to see if this film about an estranged couple forced into a witness-protection program when they witness a murder is better than the billboard or the movie title.

Finally for the movie billboards is this joyful advert for one of the most charming films I've seen this year, An Education. There's rumblings about Oscar nominations for the star, Carey Mulligan, so let's hope this billboard means more people will go see her at the cinema.

TV billboards

I know a lot of people seem to have it in for Robin Williams these days, but I still think he's great. In fact Aladdin, with his vocal talents as the Genie, is one of my favourite Disney animated movies and you can't beat a bit of cross-dressing Mrs. Doubtfire to cheer you up.

I love how this advert for the animated TV show Metalocalypse on Adult Swim stands out just before the Chateau Marmont Hotel on Sunset Blvd.

You can't help but feel that art imitates life at times, especially how David Duchovny and all his recent marital problems and addictions makes him the ideal protagonist for this comedy-drama about sex and relationships (although the cynic in me wonders if it's all PR for the show at times).

Performing Arts billboards

Kooza, the new show from Cirque du Soleil, seems to be going down a storm at Santa Monica Pier and this billboard certainly stands out for miles along Sunset Blvd.

And here's another show which I'm sure will be extremely popular this holiday season in L.A. I've luckily already seen it twice on London's West End, and even though it's a little darker than the movie version, it's still good feel-good entertainment.

Charity billboards

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to include this billboard asking for donations for St. Judes child cancer research efforts, especially at this time of year.

Alcohol billboards

I love the sentiment of this Absolut Vodka ad and the simplicity of the design of the billboard creative itself.

There's a new creative for Silver Patron along Sunset Blvd, although I have to say my tequila drinking never looks this civilised.

Finally for today is three fun and futuristic executions for Svedka Vodka which seem to be everywhere at the moment.

'Voted number one vodka of 2033' indeed. What a great way to establish yourself as market leader without actually having the credentials to do it. Very clever Svedka.

And I simply couldn't resist including this bus poster site (for obvious reasons), although I've found that vodka has never helped me get a six pack, but it usually means fun times so I can't complain.

I hope you enjoy this new selection of eye-catching billboards around L.A.

Be sure you cast your vote and let me know what you like most about Jason in Hollywood, so I can do something about it in the future...

Fantastic Mr. Fox is, well, fantastic...

Sometimes it's hard to believe all the hype, but on this occasion I can safely say that Fantastic Mr. Fox is fabulously fantastic fun.

It's the second movie in as many months where unconventional directors have been given the carte blanche to adapt beloved children's stories and in my humble opinion this film is so much more fun and successful than Spike Jonzes' Where The Wild Things Are.

Although I found that film to be visually stunning, with a stand-out child actor, it left me feeling a bit 'empty' and depressed, whereas Wes Anderson's adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic 1970 children's book is funny, charming, full of wit, clever, heart-warming and delivers a feel-good factor worthy of the original story.

Original set and stop-motion animation models from

Fantastic Mr. Fox on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema

More well known for quirky films like The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, you could say that Wes Anderson is used to making movies that turn people into cartoon caricatures of themselves, so maybe it's no surprise he turned his hand to animation.

Even though he humanises the characters, from suit-wearing and yoga practicing foxes to their aspirations of wanting to move up the property ladder from an underground fox hole to a more spacious tree, he also takes pains to make sure we know that they are in fact wild animals, be it the hilarious way they eat food, to Mr. Fox snapping a chicken's neck with one bite.

The movie is of course helped greatly by the voice talent. George Clooney, with all his Ocean's Eleven connotations and the fact he has a super smooth voice is the perfect choice to play Mr. Fox, who had sworn to his wife he'd forsaken his chicken stealing ways, but can't resist trying 'just one more' job.

With Meryl Streep as his wife, also perfectly cast and Jason Schwartzman is great as his moody teenage son 'Ash', constantly seeking his father's approval and to live up to his reputation.

There's also Bill Murray as 'Badger', Owen Wilson as 'Coach Skip', Michael Gambon as 'Franklin Bean' (one of the neighbouring farmers out for Mr. Fox's blood) and a cameo by Jarvis Cocker as 'Petey' to enjoy, all accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack including the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys.

There's a wonderfully 'old-school' feel to the stop-motion animation which gives it an edgy quality, it's not all pristine and perfect.

In addition the cinematography with camera angles and distance shots much more reminiscent of a live-action film, rather than traditional close-up animation, gives the movie it's 'adult' quality, without having to resort to hyper-violence or too much angst. Roald Dahl stories always were a bit dark anyway, so this type of filmmaking seems perfectly suited for his tales.

So the general premise of the movie has Mr. Fox trying to outwit his mean and wealthy farming neighbours, Boggis, Bunce and Bean, and steal the food out from under their noses. As with all the best laid plans, nothing is ever that simple and hilarity ensues.

I give this original take on a classic children's story four fantastic **** stars. The great thing about the movie is that you can enjoy it as an adult with friends and also if you want to watch it as a family film with your kids.

You can see more great images and short video clip of the stop-motion models and Science Lab set from the Fantastic Mr. Fox at my Hollywood Movie Costumes and Props blog.

Actual stop-motion puppets from Fantastic Mr. Fox

There's lots of great movies coming out now that we're heading into the holiday season, so I can't wait to see 2012, Pirate Radio (aka The Boat That Rocked in the UK), Precious and The Blind Side to name a few.

I'm sure I'll be sharing my thoughts on them soon...

L.A. life in mono - Part three...

Today is the final installment of images from around L.A. in black and white.

Believe me when I say that I have plenty more pictures to share, but I think the images I've showcased so far are a nice representative spread of life in Los Angeles and the different areas, sights and arts that you can see every day.

Enjoy this new selection and be sure to check out L.A. life in mono part one and part two.

'Fight of Europa' fountain statue

You'll find this intriguing sculpture with the angel whispering in the ear of bull-riding naked Europa at the corner of Sunset & Vine.

Beverly Hills sign

No matter the the time of day there's always someone lining up to get a picture with the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park. I managed to sneak this photo when the hordes of tourists were busy meandering down Rodeo Drive.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum

It's hard not to notice this dinosaur bursting through the roof of Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum on the corner of Hollywood and Highland.

Venice Beach

The palm trees, the sandy shores, the houses lining the beach, you have to admit Venice Beach looks quite iconic in black and white.

Magic Castle Hotel and Club

You'll find this fairytale inspired Magic Castle Hotel and Club on Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, where you can stay, dine and be entertained by the world's best magicians.

Palm Springs wind turbines

Although not technically in Los Angeles, Palm Springs has been a part of our L.A. adventures and I love the uniformity of these wind turbines against the rugged mountains in the background.

'Running Man' sculpture

You'll find this fantastic bronze sculpture by Elisabeth Frink in the Sculpture Garden at The Getty Center. I love both the sculpture itself and the architecturally landscaped space it's displayed within.

The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard

The Comedy Store in West Hollywood has been a permanent fixture on the Sunset Strip since April 1972.

Pacific Park on Santa Monica's Pier

You'll find this ferris wheel at Pacific Park fun-fair on Santa Monica's historic Pier.

The Getty Villa

The mock-Roman Getty Villa in Malibu is an amazing place to spend a few hours wandering around its art collections and grounds under the beautiful Californian sky.

Kermit The Frog

You'll find Kermit The Frog wearing his Charlie Chaplin inspired outfit at the Jim Henson Company Headquarters (which once housed the Charlie Chaplin Studios) on La Brea Avenue in Hollywood, just south of Sunset Blvd.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

I think Frank Gehry's spectacular curved wall concert hall in Downtown L.A. is one of Los Angeles architectural highlights.

Paradise Cove

The private beach at Paradise Cove in Malibu is a great place to relax, grab a bite to eat at the Beach Cafe and maybe even spot some celebrities.

B. Gerald Cantor Sculpture Garden at LACMA

Filled with wonderful Bourdelle and Rodin bronze sculptures, the outdoor palm sculpture garden at LACMA was designed by Robert Irwin, who is also responsible for The Getty Center's Central Garden.

Arrival Plaza at The Getty Center

It's hard not to find something interesting to take a photo of at The Getty Center with it's wonderful architecture, sculptures and gardens.

Poolside at Mondrian's Sky Bar

The pool at The Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Boulevard is tres chic and has great views of L.A. by day and night.

Hollywood & Highland Center

Can you believe I totally missed the giant elephants on the pillars the first few times I visited the Hollywood & Highland Center. I suppose it helps if you look up once in a while.

Helms Bakery

The Helms Bakery in Culver City is a bit of a local landmark as it operated from 1931 to 1969 Culver City and despite never having been sold in stores is well known for its fresh baked products. The site is now home to a collection of furniture retailers.

'Herakles the Archer' sculpture

You'll find this heroic specimen by Bourdelle at LACMA's sculpture garden. You can even see this striking sculpture if you look up as you drive by on Wilshire Blvd.

Gilmore Heritage Auto Show 2008

The gleaming classic cars in this picture help give it a vintage feel and were photographed at The Gilmore Heritage Auto Show at The Farmers Market in June 2008.

Creature from the Black Lagoon Musical

I included this picture as it looks so fun in black and white and somehow appropriate as the original film was a horror classic from 1954. More recently it's resurfaced at Universal Studios Hollywood in the form of a new stage musical attraction.

The Central Garden at The Getty Center

Robert Irwin's Central Garden at The Getty looks amazing whether viewed from above or standing within the gardens themselves.

Astronomers Monument at The Griffith Observatory

The large concrete Astronomers Monument sculpture on the front lawn of The Griffith Observatory was completed in 1934. It was designed by local artist Archibald Garner and five other artists, each responsible for one astronomer, including George Stanley who sculpted the infamous 'Oscar' statuette (from a design by Cedric Gibbons) in 1928.

Beach houses along the Malibu coast

All my friends who have visited Malibu have been surprised by how it's not like a typical town, with a centre and streets you can walk down. I think to really enjoy Malibu you need to own one of these beach front houses with their private beaches and spectacular ocean views.

The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica

I'll leave you now with a taste of Art Deco architecture from Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue, The Georgian Hotel built in 1933.

I hope you've enjoyed these glimpses of L.A. as I've experienced in so far. I've really enjoyed looking back through my library of images and experimenting in black and white to see this sprawling city (and county) in a different light.

I don't think this will be the last time you'll be seeing my adventures in mono...

L.A. life in mono - Part two...

Don't adjust your computer screens, your eyes are not playing tricks on you as all these images of Los Angeles are indeed in black and white.

After seeing some puppy pictures in mono, I thought it was time to see L.A. in a new light. From beaches to parks, famous landmarks to everyday life, it's all here, just not a colourful as it usually is, but maybe a bit more stylised.

So please enjoy the second installment of L.A. in mono...

Palisades Park palm trees

Even though it's a 30 minute drive away, I love walking Cooper at Palisades Park in Santa Monica as there are great views of the Pacific Ocean, the sandy shore, the Pier and all the way up the coast to Malibu.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

Always swamped with tourists, aside from when there are movie premieres here, in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre you'll find the world famous hand and footprints of the Hollywood stars.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

I often comment on the lack of inspiring architecture around Los Angeles, but this fabulous Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown L.A. makes me eat my words.

3rd Street topiary dinosaur fountain

I love the quirky topiary dinosaur fountains that line Santa Monica's 3rd Street pedestrianised shopping area.

The Getty Center

In the background of this photo is the architecturally interesting Getty Center in Brentwood, as viewed from the lanscaped Central Garden.

Disneyland California

The statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse stands in the Central Plaza in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim.

L.A. Zoo meerkats

I photographed these meerkats at L.A. Zoo when my family visited in April 2009.

Chateau Marmont Hotel

The infamous Hollywood hideaway that is Chateau Marmont, as seen from Sunset Boulevard.

The Getty Villa in Malibu

This ornate fountain was photographed in the East Garden of the mock-Roman Getty Villa in Malibu.

Urban Light at LACMA

This is a close-up of some of the restored wrought-iron lampposts that make up Chris Burden's Urban Light installation that stands outside LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) on Wilshire Boulevard.

Franklin Canyon Upper Reservoir

Now this is a fairly unfamiliar scene in L.A. I think, fir trees rather than the palms that line most streets. This picture was taken at the Upper Reservoir at Franklin Canyon Park.

Four Ladies of Hollywood Gazebo

The Silver Four Ladies of Hollywood monument that stands on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue now marks the end of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hollywood Star on Walk of Fame

Is this blank star waiting for you? I think this image in black and white makes it look even more iconic.

The Spirit of Los Angeles statue at The Grove

I have a certain fondness for this angel statue at The Grove as it started myAngel Quest around L.A., and think it looks amazing in mono.

Motorcycle police lead West Hollywood's Gay Pride Parade

I captured this photo at the start of this June's Gay Pride celebrations in West Hollywood that runs along Santa Monica Boulevard.

CHEER L.A. in action

CHEER L.A. wow the crowds with their acrobatics and tumbling at WEHO's Gay Pride Parade.

Cliff top houses at Zuma Beach

These beach houses can be found at Zuma Beach in Malibu.

Long Beach Dog Zone

The Dog Zone at Long Beach is one of the only on or off-leash dog areas in L.A. County. It's not that long a stretch of sand to walk along, but Cooper loved playing with all the other dogs there and chasing all their toys into the ocean.

Hollywood Bowl fireworks

I couldn't resist featuring another shot of the fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl, as it's one of my favourite venues in L.A. and I think the fireworks display looks amazing in black and white.

Fountain in Downtown L.A.

This impressive fountain in a park in the Civic Center district in Downtown L.A. brings to a close today's selection of sights around L.A. in mono.

I hope you've enjoyed the eclectic mix of images and will come back for more tomorrow...