Chunky Birch Painting by Niki Gulley

7" x 5" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Here is a new chunky oil sketch in which I'm playing around with colors and extremely thick oil paint.

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Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Home Portrait by Niki Gulley

8" x 10" pastel by Niki Gulley

Here is a home portrait I recently completed for a Christmas gift. It was challenging capturing all of the architectural details of the house in an 8" x 10" pastel, but I'm pleased with how it turned out and fortunately the home owner loved it, too!

If interested in commissioning me to create a unique painting or pastel, contact me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

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Frosted Sunrise acyrlic by Niki Gulley

"Frosted Sunrise" ©2009 Niki Gulley
14" x 11" acrylic

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Crystal Mill - Colorado oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Crystal Mill" ©2009 Niki Gulley
14" x 11" oil painting

Another snow scene - this one was inspired from a trip to Colorado. I thought this setting, with the river and the snow and the old mill, looked like it came right out of a postcard. Just beautiful!

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Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Winter's Calm pastel by Niki Gulley

"Winter's Calm" ©2009 Niki Gulley
pastel 16" x 20"

This pastel was inspired by one of our few snowfalls in Dallas a few years ago. I bundled up and ran out with my camera in the morning to capture the moment before the sun melted all of the snow later that day. Having grown up in Chicago, I love the beauty and peacefulness from the first snowfall of the year. I just prefer living here so that it doesn't last more than a day and there's no shoveling involved!

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Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Sunflower Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

5" x 7" Sunflower
oil on canvas
by Niki Gulley

3-D sculptural oil paint applied with palette knife 1/4 inch thick with painting wrapping around the edges of the canvas.

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Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Road Less Taken oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Road Less Taken" ©2009 Niki Gulley
48" x 36" oil on canvas

This painting is inspired from fond memories of growing up in the Chicago area and visiting our nature preserves on a crisp autumn day. I wanted to capture the mist hanging in the air and the mystery of the light coming through the intertwining branches. The autumn leaves have all fallen to the ground and collected at the sides of the path. There is a chill in the air and yet the path beckons you to wander along it not knowing what lies in the distance.

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Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Autumn Birch pastel

Autumn Birches ©2009 Niki Gulley
pastel 5" x 7"

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Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Colorado Aspens oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Snowfall Comes Early" ©2009 Niki Gulley
24" x 18" oil painting

While we were driving from Durango to Aspen, Colorado we came across these gorgeous orange aspen trees. I loved the contrast of the crisp blue sky against the brilliant foliage and the sparkling white snow that had fallen the night before. Colorado is so breathtaking!

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Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Babbling Brook oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Babbling Brook" ©2009 Niki Gulley
9" x 12" oil painting

This oil painting is also inspired by Colorado. I love how the fall leaves glow when back lit by the sunlight and the calmness I felt from the sound of the trickling water.

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Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Colorado painting by Niki Gulley

"Nostalgic Overlook" ©2009 Niki Gulley
10" x 8" oil painting

Inspired by a trip to Colorado, we timed it just right – the aspens had turned color and we were there for the first snowfall of the season at the same time. It was simply beautiful!

I'll have this piece available at the Dutch Art Gallery reception this Thursday, Dec. 10th, from 5-8pm as part of the Texas Daily Painter's show. I'll also be demonstrating how I paint a landscape from conception to completion if you would like to stop by and watch. We'd love to see you there!

Visit my website NikiGulley.com

Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Ocean Sunset oil painting by Niki Gulley

5" x 7" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Another ocean inspired study created with extremely thick paint and palette knife. I love the spontaneity and movement in the sky and water.

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Or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Turquoise Waters Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

5" x 7" oil painting by Niki Gulley

This painting is inspired from our trip to the gorgeous beaches in Thailand. The water was such a clear turquoise and the rock formations, known as karst, were fascinating rising out of the ocean.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com

or e-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Bluebonnet oil painting by Niki Gulley

"April Blooms V" • 7" x 5"
Bluebonnet oil painting by Niki Gulley

With these bluebonnets I wanted to create a sense of depth – almost how a photographer uses selective focus, to really show off the bluebonnets by making the background of Indian Paintbrush blurry.

Our Texas Artists' Show at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas is down to its last two weeks. I hope you can stop by and see this bluebonnet painting and all of the other talented artists' works before the exhibition is finished.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Birch Trees Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

Oil Painting by Niki Gulley • 12" x 12"

We've had some gray days lately, so I wanted to paint something that would make me feel good. The reds and yellows in the foliage provide the sense of warmth and energy that I was looking to create.

Email me for more information.

NikiGulley.com

Autumn Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

12" x 12" oil painting by Niki Gulley

In this piece I wanted you to be able to feel the breeze rustling through the aspen and maple leaves on a beautiful crisp autumn day. I've created a sense of texture in the aspen trunks, too, by working with extremely thick paint and a palette knife.

For more information in this painting, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com, or

visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Sunflower Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

"Sunny Thoughts II" ©2009 Niki Gulley
12" x 12" oil painting

I had so much fun painting the chunky sunflower oil painting the other day, I had to paint another one with lots of thick gooey oil paint and a palette knife.

Email me for more information.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Sunny Thoughts by Niki Gulley

"Sunny Thoughts" ©2009 Niki Gulley
oil painting • 12" x 12"

I paint a lot of sunflowers so I wanted to try something different with this piece. Working with extremely thick paint and a palette knife, I love the 3-D effect in this painting. The flat computer screen just doesn't do it justice! I hope they bring you joy, too.

If you'd like to inquire about Sunny Thoughts, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com or see the painting in person at the Winter Art Mart at the Bath House Cultural Center in Dallas this weekend, http://www.dallasculture.org/bathHouseCultureCenter/calendarDetail.asp?id=2266.

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Painting Workshop in Venice with Niki Gulley

"Window with a View" ©2009 Niki Gulley
pastel 12" x 9" • Venice, Italy

I created this pastel on the final day of our painting / photography workshop in Venice. We had beautiful weather all week and the last day we encountered some drizzle and had to paint under cover. I really liked this particular spot with the balcony overlooking the canal.

I always tell my students to get down the light and any movable objects quickly, and this was no exception! Less than a minute after I finished the gondola, its owner and 2 passengers cast off raindrops and all.

The early deadline for our May workshop in Venice and a $300 savings is quickly approaching. We'd love to have you join us! Visit NikiGulley.com for details.

Niki@NikiGulley.com

Plein Air Painting Workshop in Venice, Italy with Niki Gulley

"Romantic Journey" • Venice, Italy • SOLD
Pastel by Niki Gulley • 10" x 8"

I created this pastel during the workshop my husband and I taught in Venice this May and recently finished a few final details in the studio. We love the city, and there is so much inspiration in Venice between the art, architecture, canals and magical light that it's really hard to narrow down what to paint! On this day, we decided to stick with a classic view of the canals. I like the way light peeks through the narrow passageway and leads your eye from building to building, and the gondola that happened into the scene created the perfect finishing detail.

If interested in more information about our next Venice workshop this coming May, check out nikigulley.com. Sign up by Nov. 14th and save $300 on the cost of the trip!

Niki@NikiGulley.com

White Rock Sunset by Niki Gulley

"White Rock Sunset II" ©2009 Niki Gulley
oil painting • 7" x 5"

Another beautiful sunset over White Rock Lake in Dallas. I feel very fortunate in an otherwise concrete city to have this lovely slice of nature practically out our backdoor. I think being out in nature helps rejuvenate our spirit from time to time – I know it does for me!

I hope you can visit me at the Lakewood Market this weekend. For more information, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com or visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

White Rock Sunset by Niki Gulley

"White Rock Sunset II" ©2009 Niki Gulley
oil painting • 7" x 5"

Another beautiful sunset over White Rock Lake in Dallas. I feel very fortunate in an otherwise concrete city to have this lovely slice of nature practically out our backdoor. I think being out in nature helps rejuvenate our spirit from time to time – I know it does for me!

I hope you can visit me at the Lakewood Market this weekend. For more information, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com or visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Sunflower by Niki Gulley

"Sunflower Study" ©2009 Niki Gulley
5" x 7" oil painting

I set up a still life of sunflowers for my students to paint and I decided to focus in on just one flower for my demo. I love that there's something about sunflowers that just brighten up your day!

Email me for more information at niki@nikigulley.com.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

White Rock Sunset

White Rock Sunset ©2009 Niki Gulley
5" x 7" oil painting

I had so much fun painting White Rock Lake and the Dallas skyline large the other day, that I had to create another miniature version from a similar vantage point using vivid sunset colors.

Email me for more information or visit the White Rock Art Festival at 9720 Waterview Rd. in Dallas this weekend to see more.

NikiGulley.com

Crimson Sky, White Rock Lake

"Crimson Sky," White Rock Lake ©2009 Niki Gulley
25" x 19" pastel

Fresh off the easel! I wanted to create a dramatic piece of White Rock Lake and the Dallas Skyline. Here is one of our rare beautiful sunsets in Dallas. If you'd like more information on this pastel, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com or stop by the White Rock Art Festival this weekend to see it person. Visit my website for details and to see more.

Road less Traveled

"Road less Traveled" ©2009 Niki Gulley
11" x 14" oil painting

Towards the end of our trip to Colorado, snowfall had come early causing all of the autumn foliage to drift to the ground. I liked the way the bare tree limbs tangled together in the misty distance, set against the vivid fallen leaves in the foreground. What surprises lay in wait for us around the next corner?

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e-mail me for more information.

Autumn's Pulse

"Autumn's Pulse" ©2009 Niki Gulley
11" x 14" oil painting

This painting is all about color. I love the reds contrasted against the gray-greens!

Email me for more information or visit this painting at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas.

www.NikiGulley.com

Rocky Mountain Aspens

"Rocky Mountain Aspens" ©2009 Niki Gulley
11" x 14" oil painting

I like pushing color to its limits, so in this Colorado painting I wanted to capture the dramatic glow from the sun setting and reflecting on the fall aspens in contrast to the deep blues of the distant Rockies.


For more information on Rocky Mountain Aspens, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com, or you can see this painting hanging at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas.

www.NikiGulley.com

Muted Hues

"Muted Hues" ©2009 Niki Gulley
36" x 36" oil on canvas

I paint a lot of bold fall foliage scenes from Colorado and farther north, but I wanted this painting to have a more peaceful feel so I used much softer, more muted color palette to add to that mood.

For more information on Muted Hues, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com.
or you can see this painting hanging at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas.

www.NikiGulley.com

Walking the Dog

"Walking the Dog," White Rock Lake
by Niki Gulley
pastel 24" x 18"
SOLD


Email - niki@nikigulley.com

NikiGulley.com

Bluebonnets & Texas Wildflowers

"April Blooms III" ©2009 Niki Gulley
7" x 5" oil

Here is another bluebonnet scene that I happened across while visiting Cleburne in the springtime. I was attracted to the quaintness of the stone cottage at the top of the hill and the bluebonnets blooming below, with a few other wildflowers dotting the hillside.

For more information on this painting, email me at niki@nikigulley.com. Or, you can also see this painting and other bluebonnet scenes at the Dutch Art Gallery as part of the Texas Daily Painters show. If you missed the reception on Saturday, you've got to stop by the show! There were so many wonderful paintings and I really enjoyed meeting all of the Texas artists who made it to the opening.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com

April Blooms

"April Blooms" ©2009 Niki Gulley
7" x 5" oil

This little painting was inspired by last year's bluebonnets in Ennis. I almost thought I was looking at a lake from the distance and when we drove closer, the lake turned out to be thousands of wildflowers! I'll be displaying this piece and several others at the Daily Painters of Texas show at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas, which starts today and continues through Nov. 30th. This is an amazing group of talented artists, and I am honored to be part of their show. I hope you can stop by the gallery this afternoon for the reception!

Email me for more information.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Rue de Colour

"Rue de Colour," Alsace, France ©2009 Niki Gulley
11" x 14" oil

Before we stopped in Paris, we visited the Alsace region on the eastern edge of France near the German/Swiss border. Known for their sweet white wines and pastel colored cross-timber houses, we fell in love with the area. In this quiet spot we enjoyed a delicious quiche and a glass of riesling, and I just had to capture the moment!

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Secret Embrace, Paris

"Secret Embrace," Paris ©2009 Niki Gulley
oil painting • 11" x 14"

Paris is definitely one of the most romantic cities in the world. So in this painting, I really wanted to convey that magic and romance. Between the ethereal fountains, the blue glow from twilight, the twinkling of the night lights, and a pair of lovers stealing a kiss in the shadows, I am transported back to our first perfect night in Paris.

Email me for more information.

Visit my website here.

Flower Shops in Paris

"Fresh Flowers," Paris ©2009 Niki Gulley
8" x 10" oil painting

Not as frequent as the corner café, but still prevalent in each neighborhood in Paris, you'll find the local flower shop. In this painting I was drawn in by the beautiful blooms adorning the sidewalk. I like the contrast of the reds, yellows and whites of the flower bouquets against the brilliant cobalt blue of the building.

For more information on this paint, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or, visit my website.

Café de Flore

"Café de Flore" ©2009 Niki Gulley
8" x 10" oil painting

This café scene was inspired from our spring trip to Paris. The corner café is such a quintessential ingredient in Parisian life, that it was one of the first subjects I just had to paint from our journey. I love how you can sit for several hours in the afternoon sipping your coffee, people watching and decompressing without anyone rushing you. In this painting, I wanted to capture this brief moment in time on a typical day in Paris.

If you'd like to see this painting or more Paris scenes from our trip, please stop by our studio as part of the White Rock Artists' Studio tour in Dallas, Oct. 17th and 18th or visit NikiGulley.com.

I'm happy to answer questions at niki@nikigulley.com.

Plein Air Painting Venice

12" x 10" oil by Niki Gulley • SOLD

I actually completed this piece in May as part of our Plein Air / Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in Venice, Italy. We had painted several other grand locations, but decided on day three to paint a more intimate vignette of the canals. Since the whole city is on water, I love how their "garage doors" are actually for thier boats! In this painting, I wanted to focus on all of the wonderful architectural textures and age of the homes as seen in the peeling stucco, crumbling bricks and weathered wood.

To view more of my paintings from Italy and see some of my students' work from our Venice Workshop, stop by our gallery in Dallas as part of the White Rock Artists' Studio Tour, Oct. 17th & 18th. We also still have a few places open for our next Venice Workshop in May 2010, with the deadline fast approaching. We'd love to have you join us! For more information on the workshop, visit nikigulley.com/ng2/?page_id=13

To find out more about the White Rock Artists' Studio Tour, go to dallasartsrevue.com/WhiteRock.

To view my paintings from Italy, see nikigulley.com

or e-mail me for more information.

Reflective Moment, Dallas Arboretum

"Reflective Moment," Dallas Arboretum ©2009 by Niki Gulley
18" x 24" oil on canvas

Closer to home, this painting was inspired by a gorgeous autumn day at the Dallas Arboretum last year. I was drawn to this magical little spot from the colors of the leaves turning and the beautiful light raking across the pond. This nook was so tranquil and I liked the late afternoon shadows that were being cast, only enhancing the mood.

Email me for more information.

Or, visit my website.

Vertical Prism

"Vertical Prism" ©2009 by Niki Gulley
30" x 40" oil on canvas

In this painting, I wanted you to feel like a little kid again – laying on the ground and staring up into the treetops without a care in the world. I hope you experience the joy of being surrounded by nature and the beauty in the kaleidoscope of colors in "Vertical Prism."

Email me for more information.

Or stop by the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson this weekend, Oct. 3rd & 4th, to see more or my paintings and really feel the 3-D texture of the paint. Visit CottonwoodArtFestival.com for details on the show.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com

Transformation

"Transformation" ©2009 by Niki Gulley
oil painting • 48" x 60"

Before I started painting my 12" x 12" canvases of birch trees, I was working on this large piece, Transformation. Rather than create an exact replica of the forest, I wanted to focus on brilliant color and simple shapes to see if I could communicate the excitement I feel when surrounded by nature. Using energetic diagonal strokes and thick, textured paint, I hope you get a sense of the motion in the leaves and the power of nature to invigorate your spirit. I just love how this piece captured that essence!

For more information on this painting and about how to see it in person at the Cottonwood Art Festival in Dallas this weekend, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com.

Or visit my website at nikigulley.com.

Harmonious Hues III

Another chunky birch tree.
©2009 Niki Gulley

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Harmonious Hues II

"Harmonious Hues II" by Niki Gulley
oil on canvas • 12" x 12"

Here is another textured oil painting in my new aspen series. After working on larger, more detailed landscapes, I love painting these small, energetic pieces. They are so freeing!

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Visit my website.

Harmonious Hues

"Harmonious Hues VI" by Niki Gulley
oil on canvas • 12" x 12"

Here is one of my new seasonal foliage paintings. I love the peeling, knobby bark of the birch trunks, and I feel like I can really recreate that sense of texture by working with thick oil paint and palette knives. I hope you can stop by the Cottonwood Art Festival in Dallas Oct. 3rd & 4th to see them in person, since it's hard to see the dimension on the computer screen. I'd love to hear your feedback.

Email me for more information.

Or, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Sunflowers

8" x 10" oil painting by Niki Gulley

I set up a still life of sunflowers for my adult art class to paint last week and everyone's work turned out great! The flowers were beautiful and just the bit of sunshine we needed. Here is one of the studies I completed while demonstrating for the class. For more information about this piece or to find out about my next set of classes, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com or check out my website at NikiGulley.com.

Around the

"Around the Bend" ©2009 Niki Gulley
24" x 36" • pastel • SOLD

Here is a commission piece that I've recently completed on one of my favorite subjects – autumn. I enjoyed experimenting with the interplay of colors amongst the foliage and creating a sense of mystery with what lays beyond the pathway.

Email me for more information on creating a unique piece of art for your home or office.

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Heavenly Aromas

"Heavenly Aromas" ©2009 Niki Gulley
oil painting • 18" x 48"

Pictured is another one of my new textured floral fields. Can you smell the lavender?

Email me for more information

or visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Sunny Memories

"Sunny Memories" by Niki Gulley
oil painting • 18" x 48"

I've been working on a couple of large pieces for the last month and I'm excited to share the first one with you! There is something about seeing a massive field of flowers that causes me to gasp in awe. I just love the brilliant burst of color. These sunflowers are one of my first in the new series created with palette knife and extremely thick paint. For more information, contact me at niki@nikigulley.com.

Click here to visit my website.

Aspen Study

"Aspen Study" by Niki Gulley • oil painting • 7" x 5"

Another aspen study using the palette knife and extremely thick oil paint.

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Birch Study II

Birch Study II by Niki Gulley • oil 7" x 5"

Here is another palette knife creation. I'm having fun being less literal in my birch interpretations and focusing more on color and shape, and letting the viewer's imagination fill in the rest.

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Birch Study

Birch Study by Niki Gulley • oil • 7" x 5"

Today I felt like working in oils rather than pastels so that I could really capture the texture of the birch trunks with thick gooey paint and a palette knife.

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Visit my website