Art has come a long way; it's no longer reserved for those who can buy gallery works or commissioned paintings. More accurately, what we view as art has evolved, and nothing represents that more than the recent explosion of street art.

The great site Street Art Utopia documents and shares all things street art. It's nearly impossible (although fun) to choose just a few, but here are some of my favorite examples of stop-you-in-your-tracks stunning street art.

Maybe it's because I see so much of it in Los Angeles, but when I see good street art, it often impresses me more than a museum or gallery piece. Street art is creative, both in subject and in its use of pre-existing elements, it's logistically impressive (often put up guerilla-style — quickly or at night), and, when you unexpectedly happen upon it, it totally makes your day. While the definition of what is or isn't considered art varies, there's no denying that these pieces are amazing examples of artistic spirit.

Be sure to click through to the full post at Street Art Utopia, where they've gathered the best street art photos of the last year (106 of them!).

(Images: Street Art Utopia)