Hi Everybody!
We had a stormy day here, with thunder, lightning, torrential rain and hailstones, so it was nice to see the sun coming out this evening in time for my evening walk. I had to take shelter in the ice parlour this morning, so drank coffee to while away the time till the rain had stopped enough to make a dash for home. But we need the rain, so I'm trying not to grumble too much!
I painted this 8 x 8" mixed media canvas for Harry's birthday, which was last Sunday, but forgot to take photos, so here it is in its new home:
I am linking to Paint Party Friday
Last week I visited the Altstadt and Medienhafen in Düsseldorf. It used to be a regular goods harbour, but is now used as a yacht harbour and a place where many media firms, TV and radio companies and other offices have been established. It is also 'home' to our county parliament and a lot of people who can afford to live in the wonderful buildings from Frank Gehry, the Canadian Architect. You can read more about him here if you are interested.
Here are some impressions from my visit.
Walking along the Rhine from the Altstadt to the Medienhafen. The pavement suggests the waves of the Rhine:
The County Parliament with the post-office tower in the background:
Only the best is good enough for our politicians, and the house has lots of windows for them to look out at the Rhine when they get bored:
One of the old cranes:
Moving towards the marina and the Gehry Buildings:
There are lots of (rather expensive) cafes and restaurants:
This mirrored building is my fave:
Several of the old cranes are still visible:
Looking over to the other Rhine side:
Okay, this was a lot of pics, even for me, but hope you liked these unusual and very splendid buildings!
Have a great day, take care,
and thanks a lot for coming by!
Hi Val, what a fantastic post. You know how I love these buildings. Glad you had such good weather for visiting. The photos are really first class. Love the canvas you made for Harry, too. We had awful weather here this afternoon and evening. I'm sure you will be in bed by now, so I'll wish you a good night. Hugs, Sarah
ReplyDeleteYour mixed media piece is lovely. I had to laugh when you said you waited out the rain in the ice cream shop with a coffee. I would have dashed in there for ice cream! The wavy walkway and buildings are awesome along with the mix of old and modern. Those windows are unusual, too. Happy T Day
ReplyDeleteInteresting buildings, and am sure Harry loved his beautiful gift!
ReplyDeleteHi Valerie wow that's a stunning canvas. You do such beautiful work,what an awesome present to give,well done my friend xx
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous mixed media gift for Harry. I hope he likes it as much as I. It is both beautiful and spiritual.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw that Gehry Building on your blog banner, my first thought was that this was a building about to be demolished. Little did I realize it was a mirrored building that shows those around it.
You shared some incredible photos today. I LOVE that post office and look for it every time you cross the bridge. I really enjoyed all those buildings and those unique and unusual windows.
First of all, that is a beautiful painting for your friend. And this is such a funky area you walked in and shared with us today. I didn't realize the building was mirrored, but that is really a cool thing to do. Very different. I bet some people don't like it. It does make a strong statement though, and in some ways reminds me of a modern Gaudi who did all the fabulous buildings in Barcelona. Thanks for sharing as I enjoyed seeing these buildings. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteA lot of people don't like the Gehry buildings, but most people do, and lots of people visit just to see them.
DeleteHi Valerie! I absolutely love the painting that you made for Harry's birthday! It's so beautiful!!! And I LOVE all of the photos that you took during your walk. They are incredible. I think my favorite is of the mirrored Gehry buildings!! We have had lots of thunder storms here too. I am happy that are all safe and sound! Have a great day, my friend! Sharon
ReplyDeleteThanks, the mirrored building is my fave, too.
DeleteWow, you are so incredibly talented!☺
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Mixed Media canvas and fantastic photos.
ReplyDeleteFrank Gehry to naprawdę ciekawy architekt dzięki za przybliżenie jego profilu. Bardzo ciekawy spacer , fajne fotografie i opis. Pozdrawiam:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, he is indeed a fantastic architect. Best wishes back to you!
DeleteI like your art piece. It would add calm and peace to any place it was displayed :)
ReplyDeleteHow nice that even the walkway is an artistic creation. Attention to detail :) I am struck by those windows and all the unusual architecture. Thx for all the photos :)
I love the wavy pavement, too, and it's fun watching kids running along it in wavy lines.
DeleteWhat a wonderful gift for Harry. I'm sure he loved it.
ReplyDeleteUnusual and splendid buildings indeed.
Glad you found a place to wait out the rain.
Hugs
The photos of the buildings look amazing and such a modern style as well. Like many of your friends, I love the mirrored one as well.
ReplyDeleteThe canvas you painted for Harry is wonderful, so calming. I think he must be very happy to have it hanging on his wall.,
Yvonne xx
Oh your painting is really something to behold - how charming that you presented Harry with such a beauty! I love your photos of the very unique buildings - I remember visiting for the day when I was young the St. Lambertus Church and Schlossturm - oh such good times! Thanks for sharing your photos!
ReplyDeleteLoved your painting and wow the tour was amazing-loved that curvy pavement and the unique architecture-thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletewe are still get rain this week too-
What a gorgeous gift you created for your friend Valerie x I love the calmness and it looks amazing x
ReplyDeleteThose houses are quite stunning. I had to take a second look when I first saw them. Wonder if they will stand the test of time ??
TFS and huge hugs
Annie x
That's a good question!
DeleteI love your beautiful Buddha artwork. And those squishy-squiggly buildings!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a fun description!
DeleteA wonderful canvas, Harry must have loved it. Your photos are wonderful - amazing buildings.
ReplyDeletexxx Hazel.
I love your canvas. The image is so calming down and meditative. The ornament above the Buddha's head makes it perfect. I like Buddhas, they always look so peaceful.Your photos look great again, nice impressions from this area.
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs
Sabine
The Gehry building looks amazing. I've seen pictures with it before, but I still loved seeing these. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe buildings look amazing. My favorite is the mirrored one too. So cool! Loved looking at all your pictures. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
I lllllllove Gehry!!!!!! His architecture design is unique in the whole world. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful photos with us, Valerie. Hugs, sweetie!
ReplyDeleteLovely and unusual, indeed. I enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day and excursion. Those windows are fascinating. At first I thought they were all open so thanks for the close-ups. I bet you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely gift for Harry.
ReplyDeleteThe buildings today were certainly different, many thanks for all your photographs.
All the best Jan
great post filled with wonderful photos of a beautiful town!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sunny photos and a lovely calming Buddha too! Happy PPF from Number 19 :D
ReplyDeleteWow! I was especially struck with those interesting trees and wavy buildings!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous canvas, I hope it has pride of place in it's new home. Amazing photographs too, what an interesting place xx
ReplyDelete