Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains by Palette Knife Painter Niki Gulley

"Fall's Spectrum" ©2026 Niki Gulley

24" x 30" textured acrylic painting on canvas

Here is Asheville, NC in all of its peak autumn glory the last week of October. Of course, one of the challenges of plein-air painting is you never know what is going to change in the scene you are capturing. For instance, our neighbors at our campsite chose to park their black sedan right here in the middle of our picturesque view. Oh, well! The scenery beyond was still beautiful and I was able to take some photos on my camera to finish this one up at home. It also gave us a good excuse to take a scooter ride on that beautiful 70 degree day and check out the picturesque nature trails in the North Carolina Arboretum. Not a bad way to finish up our immersive autumn trip!

 

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For more information on my textured palette knife paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Or, please visit my website at  NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

Painting in Tuscany with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Flowering Destination" ©2025 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 16" x 20" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we pulled into this villa in Italy, I thought I'd walked into a fantasy land! Gorgeous Roman architecture surrounded by the most beautiful rose gardens in every direction. I could just imagine holding the most romantic wedding here, and how happy all of your guests would be. I hope you, too, can escape into these idyllic grounds and absorb the beauty of Tuscany.

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For details on more of my Tuscany or European paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

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If you're interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

"Autumn Brushstrokes" Palette Knife Painting by Asheville Artist Niki Gulley

 

"Autumn Brushstrokes" © 2026 Niki Gulley

12" x 12" textured acrylic on canvas panel

Can you feel nature's energy as cooling autumn breezes dance through the vibrant foliage? As leaves start to fall, glimpses of the distance peeks and valleys shine through and your journey is illuminated with gorgeous mountain views. Incorporating bold, broad, skipping strokes add to that feeling of joy and rejuvenation while thick, chunky texture brings this sculptural painting to life.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife paintings.

To see more of Niki's contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

"Casting Shadows" Fall Foliage Painting by Asheville Artist Niki Gulley

"Casting Shadows" ©2026 Niki Gulley

textured acrylic on canvas

30" x 40” on 1.5″ deep canvas with the painting wrapping around the edges

What a gorgeous day for a drive through the beautiful fall foliage! I hope you can feel the cool breeze and smell the fresh scent of pine and cider in the air. May this one bring joy and energy to your day, as you escape into this autumn wonderland.

If you’d like to see a photo of me painting this one and it’s 3-D texture, check out https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHGx3RRo4n/.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

To see more of Niki's contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

Autumn Aspen Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Painted Forest" ©2026 Niki Gulley

18" x 24" textured mixed media painting 

on 1.5" wrap around canvas with the painting continuing around the edges

I loved this brilliant aspen forest with its bright white aspen trunks slicing through all of the vibrant red and yellow foliage. The patterns of the trees created a sort of rhythm and I focused on the placement of the ivory sentinels, the diagonal purple shadows that they cast and the rustling of the leaves to add to that musical feeling. I hope you, too, can sense the energy and joy of being surrounded by nature as autumn is in full swing.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my birch and aspen tree oil paintings.

To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

 

 

Painting Autumn in All Its Glory with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

October Orchestra ©2026 Niki Gulley

24” x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas

I love looking for scenery around Asheville that I can share with you and lift your spirits. And, the explosion of vibrant fall color here does not disappoint! The maples are displaying their full autumn glory, so I had to capture those ruby reds for you. May this kids’ perspective bring you the joy of carefree days and hopes for a bright future. 

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

To see more of Niki's contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

Uplifting Palette Knife Sunflower Painting by Niki Gulley

 

 

"Sunshine Serenade" ©2026 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 16" x 20" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 

Started on location in Tuscany, these bright, smiling faces just lifted my spirits and I had to paint them to share their cheer with you! Beyond these joyous sunflowers, the quintessential Tuscan farmhouse has the best view of the surrounding valleys. Misty clouds rise from the horizon as cooler nights meet warmer days and set the stage of the magical light and dreamy allure of Tuscany. The resulting painting is full of warmth, color and texture, and my hope is that when you gaze into it, this piece lifts your spirits and brightens up any spot in your home.

If interested in purchasing this piece, click here nikigulley.com/sunshine-serenade/.

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For details on more of my Tuscany or sunflower paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

***

Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you're in luck if you've always wanted to go! We've had a couple of spots open up for our trip next September. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Spaces fill up quickly! 

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.