Sunflower

"Sunflower" by Niki Gulley ©2009
pastel 5" x 7" • $100

I set up a still life of sunflowers to paint in my studio, and this simple close-up turned out to be one of my favorites. If you'd like more information, email me or to purchase, click below

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Queen Ann's Lace

"Queen Ann's Lace" ©2009 Niki Gulley

pastel 7" x 5"

I set up a floral still life in my studio, and particularly liked this close-up of the Queen Ann's Lace. Having grown up in Illinois, they've always been one of my favorite wildflowers from up north.

To see more of my pastels, visit my website at NikiGulley.com or my blog at NikiGulley.blogspot.com.

Morning Overlook, White Rock Lake

"Morning Overlook" • White Rock Lake • ©2009 Niki Gulley
pastel • 9"x 12"
A peaceful morning at White Rock Lake.
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"Sunburst, White Rock Lake" ©2009 Niki Gulley
pastel • 8" x 10"

I wanted to depict a different vantage point of White Rock Lake and I was intrigued by how my camera captured the sunlight peering through the clouds. It almost looks like a beam of light is shining down from heaven! So, I decided to go ahead and paint it that way to suggest an aura of mystery in the scene.

If you'd like more information, contact me at niki@nikigulley.com

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NikiGulley.blogspot.com

"Impressions II, White Rock Lake" ©2009 Niki Gulley
5" x 7" pastel

Today I revisited the same location at White Rock Lake as earlier in the week, but I wanted to paint it completely different this time. I love vibrant color and playing with contrasts in my subject, so today I really had fun. Hope you do, too!

For more information, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com.

Visit my blog at NikiGulley.blogspot.com
or my website at NikiGulley.com

Arboretum Blooms

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Arboretum Blooms

"Arboretum Blooms IV" ©2009 Niki Gulley

pastel 5" x 7"

I like the simplicity in this scene. Don't you want to just relax on the bench, read a book and enjoy the daffodils?

For more information about Arboretum Blooms, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com or visit nikigulley.com.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Arboretum Blooms III

"Arboretum Blooms III" ©2009 Niki Gulley
7" x 5" pastel

Being pleased with how my first two Arboretum scenes turned out, I decided to stick with the same theme and complete a third garden landscape that complimented the others. If interested in more information, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com.

To view my website, visit NikiGulley.com

Arboretum Blooms II

"Arboretum Blooms II" ©2009 Niki Gulley
pastel 5" x 7"

I love the challenge of trying to paint a complex scene on a tiny scale, so here is my second 5" x 7" pastel inspired by our Botanic Garden.

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Thursday, July 30, 2009

Arboretum Blooms

"Arboretum Blooms" ©2009 Niki Gulley

7" x 5" pastel

After completing a few oil sketches of poppies this week, I felt inspired to keep painting flowers, but switch gears slightly and work on garden scenes rather than close-ups. I turned to our Arboretum in Dallas (and not my own sad drought garden), which always boasts such beautiful blooms. Shown here is my first pastel.

If interested in more information, contact me at niki@nikigulley.com

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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Poppies

"Poppies II" ©2009 Niki Gulley

oil painting • 5" x 7" • $100

Here's a second poppy study to go with my "Poppy Pair" painting from earlier this week. Again, I'm playing around with extremely thick paint, sometimes 1/4 inch of paint or more, to create texture. If you'd like more information, contact me at niki@nikigulley.com

To see more work, visit my website & blog at NikiGulley.com

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Enchanted Forest

"Enchanted Forest" ©2009 Niki Gulley

16" x 40" pastel

Longing for a break from the brutal heat this summer in Dallas, I felt compelled to paint someplace I'd rather be. Thoughts of the beautiful autumn colors and cooler air inspired "Enchanted Forest." I love the way the light mysteriously illuminates the fall foliage from behind and creates shadows in the foreground.

If you're interested in Enchanted Forest, e-mail me at niki@nikigulley.com.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Top Photo: "Poppy Pair" - 5" x 7" oil - $100
Bottom Photo: Close-up detail of thick textured paint

I can't help but smile when I see poppies, and I love painting them! In this study, I'm playing with 1/4 inch thick paint as you can see in the second photo above.

To see more paintings, visit NikiGulley.com
or to puchase "Poppy Pair," contact niki@nikigulley.com

Posted by Niki Gulley at 5:21 PM 0 comments

Impressions, White Rock Lake

Impressions, White Rock Lake

"Impressions, White Rock Lake" ©2009 Niki Gulley
Pastel • 5" x 7"

To beat our 100º heat, I headed out to White Rock Lake in the morning and captured the Dallas skyline at early light. I love this view of the city.

To see other Dallas scenes I've created, visit nikigulley.com.