Hello. I hope you had a good weekend, I've had a brilliant weekend. I arrived in Bradford on Saturday at about 1pm, at SimpleSista's house, that's not her real name by the way. She has been reading my blog for some time, and we have met twice before. After a coffee, we went to Saltaire to have a look at the Festival. I love it there. It was raining when we arrived so we sat in the car and ate our packed lunch which SS had made for us. Then it was a walk around Salts Mill, I wanted to see the Hockney exhibition which I missed last time I was here because it was closed. I just love his work, here are a few of them. Have a look and see what you think. Are you a fan as well?
Trying to figure out which is my favourite, I love them all.
Afterwards we wandered the cobbled streets between the cottages which used to house the mill workers. We came across some street entertainers. A large group of singers, and an energetic group of dancers. Then we went into a craft fair but we didn't have long there because they were closing.
On the way back we stopped off for a walk around Lister Park. It's a huge park with trees, a lake, and beautiful gardens.
I just love this magnificent life size sculpture of a stag, next to the house.
The park is very well kept, perfectly mowed grass and beautiful laid out flower beds.
Back to the house for dinner and an evening of watching television, which is a novelty for me.
This morning we went to Peel Park, another lovely park. It was nice to have my own personal guide to show me around. Then it was time for me to leave, SS very kindly made me a pack up to take with me. I drove across to Cleveleys, dumped the car, just missed a bus to Blackpool so had to wait for the next one, and was ten minutes late at the station and missed the 3pm train. Luckily there was another one waiting, it was about to leave. That meant I was late at Preston for my connection so I had to leg it over the bridge from one platform to the other, and just managed to catch the Carlisle train with one minute to spare. Phew, that was close.
So here I am, in a Travelodge, ready to set off walking back in the morning. House/cat sitter is installed, she has reported in twice today, and I expect there will be more updates. So, let the adventure begin. There is rain forecast, I might get wet.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip
What.beautiful.pictures,thanks.for.showing.them,greetings.from.ann
ReplyDeleteHis paintings strike me as Van Gogh-esque. Interesting use of color. Loved the photo of Lister Park, at first glance I thought it was a painting! Here's hoping you stay dry on you walk.
ReplyDeleteWell, fancy that ! We were just looking at the Saltaire website and thinking about a visit. Thanks for your lovely photo's. We passed by there on the train when we were going to Yarndale in Skipton a couple of years ago and said we'll get off here next time. Glad you had a good day. Sleep well....ready for the walk tomorrow. Take care. Caz.P.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that he paints from life outdoors..en plein aire I think they call it.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to meet fellow bloggers,however briefly
I love them too Ilona-very exciting.Like Judy I thought of Van Gough too.I bought a print from a charity shop once of a cottage in similar style.The stag is just great too.I passed 2 recently on my holidays.One on the entrance to a grange and one on the flat roof of someone's home.At the time I thought if only I could,I would have one too.They weren't in such a wonderful stance of yours though.What a great day you've had Ilona and I hope if you get a bit damp tommorow its fun x
ReplyDeleteAh Hockney! one of my faves.
ReplyDeleteGillx
When I saw the pictures, it made me think of some of your felt art. I think you could definitely take inspiration from these paintings and create something of your own. :) Chris
ReplyDeleteAll lovely! I wouldn't be able to decide, either. Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful weekend you had, meeting a blogger friend, seeing the great pictures and visiting two beautiful parks.
ReplyDeleteI can see reflections of Hockney in your art creations, Ilona.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful paintings and photos!,And i love reading about your adventures!,Debi,x
ReplyDeleteI love David Hockney! Looks like a great day Ilona, will be following your progress, hope you get some decent weather for it!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures, they're so colourful.
ReplyDeleteHope you don't get too wet on your walk. The forcast is not good, wind and rain although not a patch like Florida
Carolx
Bradford, my home town. Didn't know that Simplesista lived there too. Always nice to meet fellow bloggers.
ReplyDeletePeel Park brought back many memories from my school days when our school would go to the swimming baths there for swimming lessons. It was only small and has, for a long time now I believe, closed down. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if it was demolished or had some other uses. My paternal grandparents did a lot of their courting in Peel Park, so an aunt told me. Memories indeed.
Enjoy your next adventure.
Joan (Devon)
Hello Joan, my fellow Bradfordian! There isn't a swimming pool in or around Peel Park and there hasn't been for as long as I can remember. It's still a great park though. I spent many of my lunchtimes there, studying very hard obviously!
DeleteHello Simplesista, nice to meet you again. The swimming pool was just outside the park if I remember rightly, just by the gates, and it was always referred to at school as the Peel Park Swimming Baths. This was about 55 years ago and my memory, although usually pretty good, could be dimmed with age. Glad you had a good time with Ilona (one of a kind).
DeleteJoan (Devon)
Hi Ilona,
ReplyDeleteI know why you love the art you saw, it is so much like your style of art, don't you think? Such striking colours and bold dramatic shapes, I just love it. Have fun and stay safe in your travels.
Fi
I am not really a fan of most art but I just love those pictures. So colorful and pretty to look at. Thank you for sharing😊 Lisa J.
ReplyDeleteThe art was nice but OH! I like your pictures better. ;) Enjoy!
ReplyDeletehave a great time tessa xxx
ReplyDeleteThe paintings reminded me of David Hockney, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
I like Saltaire and David Hockney. I have a few prints in my kitchen and they really brighten up my plain walls.
ReplyDeleteLove the Hockneys. I'm quite blown away by the thought he created them on an iPad?? I too can see similarities with your work, as others have said.
ReplyDeleteThe stag is just stunning!
Your photos are always wonderful, you open up new worlds! Thank you :))
I love Hockney , particularly his series of chair paintings . I missed the exhibition st the Tate but hope to go to Saltaire sometime
ReplyDeleteWhere are you Ilona x glad to see you've put your legs away lol 😀😀😀😀
ReplyDeleteI love Hockney!!! Went to one of his exhibits in London years ago..
ReplyDeleteAmazing use of colour
Those pictures look really interesting. I have heard of Hockney, of course, but have hardly seen any of his art. Love it! Looks like you had a lovely time.
ReplyDeleteJane