As we move into Fall, I would like to reflect on the last few months and share with you pictures of our travels and the sights we saw along the way. From our trip to Spain at the beginning of the summer to the Cape in August, I drew much inspiration for the season ahead.

Having the opportunity to visit my friend in Madrid and see his beautiful home that was recently published in European Architectural Digest as well as another dear friend’s art filled beach cottage on the Cape, the colors, textures and culture helped shape the Summer of 2011.

MADRID, SPAIN – June 2011

Following are some firsthand images of the color, texture, art, nightlife and living spaces that paint an inspirational picture of what we love most about Madrid, Spain.

COLOR AND TEXTURE

Even from the sky, I began to get inspired by just the landscape of olive trees and dried earth on the flat plains flying into Madrid. Contrasting that with the antique tiles you see almost everywhere, we happened on to this sunflower wall in Toledo where they are known for their heritage of tile and mosaic work.  Just beautiful....makes me long for a place in the country. 

Once back in Madrid, we took a visit to the local farmers market in Chueca. The vibrant colors of these prawns were only a small sampling of what you can get here...all fresh, crisp and vibrant.  Finally, on our way to the Reina Sofia Museum, we stumbled on to this magnificent garden wall.  What a great idea to do with an exposed wall of a building bringing nature to an urban landscape.  I would love to do this one day......but on a smaller scale. 

 ART

Two Museums that we highly recommend. Museo Reina Sophia and Museo Thyessen-Bornemisza. 

An amazingly interesting exhibit by Yayoi Kusama at the Reina Sofia.  A Japanese artist, she is know for her conceptual paintings, sculptures and installations that share an obsession with repetition, pattern and accumulation.

The realistic landscapes and sculptures of renowned Spanish artist Antonio Lopez Garcia were featured at the Thyssen. This larger than life baby head showed the artist's true talent on any scale. it is literally 10 feet tall!  It's his amazing hyper realistic landscape paintings that have made him one of the most famous living artists in Spain. 

NIGHTLIFE

We love these two photos because they literally look and feel like a Summer evening in Madrid.   Taken by my partner using his Hipstamatic App on his iPhone, it truly captures the romantic nature of this incredible place.

PLACES AND SPACES

One wonderful treat about going to Madrid is visiting my great friend and spending time in his amazing apartment in Chueca.  Recently featured in Europe's Architectural Digest, this all white modern abode features contemporary classics along with his amazing black and white photography collection.  The rooftop terrace allows sweeping views of the amazing city sky line as well.....I love stumbling on to these intimate courtyard gardens as we wander the old streets of Madrid.  Each one is special in its own way.

It was a great start to our Summer 2011...it gave us lots of inspiration for the months ahead and confirmed our never ending love for Madrid...stay tuned for our next blog on our visit to the Cape!  until then...Scott