Birch Tree textured paintings by Niki Gulley

5x7 birch study II ©2011 Niki Gulley

textured painting on board

I painted these autumn birches with extremely thick paint and palette knives to achieve extreme texture. The resulting image comes to life and is loaded with color and energy. This birch series can be propped up on an easel without a frame, or I have a 5" black frame with a gold inner lip or a solid gold plein air frame that sets the small painting off beautifully. To purchase or see examples framed, e-mail Niki Gulley.

Pictured above, Monday's 5" x 7" birches next to Wednesday's and today's birches.

The 5" x 7" and 12" x 12" squares look great hung in pairs and threes! To see more of my 12" x12" and large scale contemporary birch and aspen tree paintings, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1343. 

NikiGulley.com

Autumn Birch painting series by Niki Gulley

5x7 birch study II ©2011 Niki Gulley

textured painting on board

I painted these autumn birches with extremely thick paint and palette knives to achieve extreme texture. The resulting image comes to life and is loaded with color and energy. This birch series can be propped up on an easel without a frame, or I have a 5" black frame with a gold inner lip or a solid gold plein air frame that sets the small painting off beautifully. To purchase or see examples framed, e-mail Niki Gulley.

Pictured above, Monday's 5" x 7" birches next to today's birches.

To see more of my 12" x12" and large scale contemporary birch and aspen tree paintings, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1343. The 5" x 7" and 12" x 12" squares look great hung in pairs and threes!

NikiGulley.com

5x7 birch study by Niki Gulley

5x7 birch study ©2011 Niki Gulley

textured painting on board

I painted these autumn birches with extremely thick paint and palette knives to achieve extreme texture. The resulting image comes to life and is loaded with color and energy. This birch series can be propped up on an easel without a frame, or I have a 5" black frame with a gold inner lip or a solid gold plein air frame that sets the small painting off beautifully. To purchase or see examples framed, e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my 12" x12" and large scale contemporary birch and aspen tree paintings, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1343. The 5" x 7" and 12" x 12" squares look great hung in pairs and threes!

NikiGulley.com

Textured Bluebonnet oil painting series by Niki Gulley

"Texas Treats" ©2011 Niki Gulley

12" x 12" textured oil painting on canvas

I painted these Texas bluebonnets and with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives to achieve extreme texture. The resulting image comes to life and is loaded with color and energy. In this wildflower series, I've painted the scene around the edges of the canvas on 1 and 1/2" deep stretcher bars so that the paintings can be hung without a frame for a unique sculptural effect.

These 12" x 12" squares look great in pairs and threes! Hang them horizontally to fill space, vertically for a small wall or diagonally to lead your eye upwards, such as in a staircase.  If interested in purchasing any of these bluebonnets, e-mail Niki Gulley.

Pictured above are today's "Texas Treats IV" next to Wednesday's "Texas Treats" and Monday's "Texas Treats V" canvas.

The "Texas Treats" series hung vertically.

The "Texas Treats" series hung diagonally.

To see more of my bluebonnet and Texas paintings, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=898. 

"Texas Treats" bluebonnet paintings by Niki Gulley

"Texas Treats" ©2011 Niki Gulley

12" x 12" textured oil painting on canvas

I painted these Texas bluebonnets and with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives to achieve extreme texture. The resulting image comes to life and is loaded with color and energy. In this wildflower series, I've painted the scene around the edges of the canvas on 1 and 1/2" deep stretcher bars so that the paintings can be hung without a frame for a unique sculptural effect.

These 12" x 12" squares look great in pairs and threes! Hang them horizontally to fill space, vertically for a small wall or diagonally to lead your eye upwards, such as in a staircase. Pictured below are today's "Texas Treats" next to Monday's "Texas Treats V" canvas. If interested in purchasing one or both of these bluebonnets, e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my bluebonnet and Texas paintings, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=898. 

Texas Bluebonnets & Indian Blanket by Niki Gulley

"Texas Treats V" ©2011 Niki Gulley

12" x 12" textured oil painting on canvas

I painted these Texas bluebonnets and Indian Blanket with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives to achieve extreme texture. The resulting image comes to life and is loaded with color and energy. In this wildflower series, I've painted the scene around the edges of the canvas on 1 and 1/2" deep stretcher bars so that the paintings can be hung without a frame for a unique sculptural effect.

To see more of my bluebonnet and Texas paintings, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=898. The 12" x 12" squares look great hung in pairs and threes!

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my textured oil paintings.

Textured Birch Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

“Ruby Emergence” ©2011 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 48” x 60” textured acrylic on wrap around canvas

I wanted this painting to be about the power and energy in nature to invigorate your spirit more so than an exact replica of the forest, so I chose to use warm vivid colors and thick staccato strokes to add to that feeling. I placed the foliage in diagonal sweeping shapes to create a sense of movement, so that you can feel the wind gently rustling the leaves and causing them to dance.

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

NikiGulley.com

"Golden Transitions" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Golden Transitions" ©2011 Niki Gulley

textured oil on canvas • 36" x 60"

In "Golden Transitions," I wanted you to feel like you were deep in the middle of the woods surrounded by nature in all of its beautiful autumn glory. I painted these aspen trees with extremely thick oil paint so that the texture and colors leap off the canvas.

"Golden Transitions" is on view at American Fine Art in Dallas, TX, americanfineart.com .

Or, to see more of my aspen and birch tree paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

"Scenic Route" - Autumn oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Scenic Route” ©2011 Niki Gulley

Oil on canvas • 20” x 60”

My husband and I love exploring the back roads whenever we’re en route somewhere. We always discover such interesting places, and the scenery is so much more picturesque than along the highway. It’s fun to slow down and enjoy the journey with no agenda, which is what I had in mind when I painted “Scenic Route,” a beautiful fall drive through the winding hills far from the city.

If interested in purchasing this painting, e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

For more information on my contemporary landscape paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.

"Reflections in Time" - Autumn oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Reflections in Time” ©2011 Niki Gulley

Oil on canvas • 24” x 36”

This painting is inspired by one of my favorite spots just ten minutes from our home in Dallas. It was a perfect autumn day – about 70° with a slight breeze and the peaking autumn colors were more vibrant than usual. With such a gentle wind, the vivid foliage and gorgeous fluffy clouds were reflected fairly clearly in the water and yet at the same time, I chose to create fluid moving strokes to suggest the peaceful energy in that moment.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my fall foliage oils.

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

"Muted Hues" aspen tree oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Muted Hues" ©2011 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 aspen painting to have a more peaceful feel so I used much softer, more muted color palette to add to that mood.

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

 Or, visit www.NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

"Deep in the Woods" textured aspen painting by Niki Gulley

“Deep in the Woods” ©2010 Niki Gulley

oil on canvas • 36" x 36"

I am absolutely crazy about aspen trees. I love their textured peeling bark, the sound of their tinkling leaves blowing in the breeze, the way the light illuminates their yellow leaves and makes them glow, and the repetition of the trunks packed so tightly together. The first time I saw them was on a trip with my family to Colorado and I fell in love with the beautiful scenery and peacefulness I found immersed in the forest and surrounded by mountains. I wanted to share my love of nature in “Deep in the Woods” so that you, too, could enjoy that calm and the beauty of the aspens.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com to see more of my aspen and birch tree oil paintings.

E-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information on my contemporary landscape paintings.

"Climbing Trees" Winter Birch Trees oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Climbing Trees IV” ©2011 Niki Gulley

40” x 30” oil on canvas

Growing up in the midwest, I loved the first snowfall of the year when everything would get a beautiful dusting of pristine white powder, including even the tiniest of branches in the treetops above. If you caught that moment early enough in the morning before anything had disturbed the intricate frosted web, it was just magical. Then the sun would start rising and peeking through the limbs, and everything would sparkle like diamonds. In Climbing Trees, I wanted to capture that brief beautiful moment when the sunlight dances through the icing on the treetops and you can feel yourself looking up in wonderment just like you did when you were a kid.

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information on Climbing Trees.

Or, visit my website at NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary birch and aspen tree oil paintings.

"Fire and Gold" birch oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Fire and Gold" ©2011 Niki Gulley

oil on canvas • 36" x 48"

I used to love it as a kid, growing up in the midwest, when my family would go hiking in the woods – especially in fall. The crisp feel in the air, the crunching of leaves underfoot and the beautiful autumn colors, along with spending time with my mom and dad were special times. In Fire and Gold I wanted to recreate those warm memories, choosing reds and yellows of autumn to heighten those happy feelings and using energetic strokes with my paint reminiscent of a carefree, simpler time. Building up thin transparent layers of oil paint also add to a certain glow and magic in the final piece.

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

Or, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

"Life's Journey" oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Life’s Journey” ©2011 Niki Gulley

46” x 44” oil on canvas

Follow the deep wood’s path and wander under a canopy of sheltering leaves, light shifts through each branch and twig. Long, late rays of sunlight pierce the dreaming autumn forest, as you enter shadows dapple your journey. You are walking down a loamy path, filled with color-drenched leaves that invite you into the purple shadows where you may seek your dreams. This oil painting of a tranquil wood’s trail inspires your journey and your dreams with lush colors and rich images of beauty ahead.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my contemporary landscape paintings.

Or visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

American Fine Art Gallery showing Niki Gulley

"Colorful Transformation" ©2011 by Niki Gulley
textured oil painting • 36" x 48"

Now showing at American Fine Art Gallery in Dallas, in Colorful Transformation, 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!

To see this birch painting, visit americanfineart.com.

Or, to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings, go to NikiGulley.com.

E-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Painting Monet's Garden with Niki Gulley

“Monet’s Passion” ©2011 Niki Gulley

12” x 24” textured oil on wrap around canvas

Early morning light washes over Monet’s water lily garden in his beloved home at Giverny, France. Quiet, tranquil colors rim the pond, reflected in the glassy surface, waters casting back sky and foliage in a radiance of hues. Iris leaves front the pond, lilies break its surface, willows brush the water’s edge – everything just as Monet would have seen, now in a fresh, contemporary new work of art.

I'll have several of my paintings from Paris along with my landscapes closer to home this weekend at the Bath House Cultural Center in Dallas. This is my last art show for 2011, so hope you can stop by. For more details on the show, click here dallasculture.org/bathhouseculturecenter/calendarDetail.asp?id=7770.

Or, if you would like to join us in May for our next ArtTrek to Paris, France, and paint Monet's Gardens in person, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1420, which goes into detail about our upcoming Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshops. Registration deadline for Paris is today!

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

 Visit my website at NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

Art Treks - Paris - deadline this Friday

"Culmination" ©2011 Niki Gulley

Three 48" x 30" canvases to form a 48" x 90" triptych

textured mixed media on wrap around canvas

I decided it would be a fun challenge to create an extremely large painting, and I wanted the final piece to be very uplifting, colorful and full of energy. Opting for warm colors and working with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives, I chose this lily pond reference from our visit to Monet's Gardens in Giverny, France. The grounds were breathtaking and I could actually see his paintings come to life. I was drawn to the energetic flow and yet calming serenity in this view, and I positioned the water lilies and my paint strokes in a circular pattern to add to that mood. The morning light peeking through the distant foliage added to a sense of mystery and promise that I wanted to capture in paint, and share with you that feeling of hope.

I'll have several of my paintings from Paris along with my landscapes closer to home this weekend at the Bath House Cultural Center in Dallas. This is my last art show for 2011, so hope you can stop by. For more details on the show, click here dallasculture.org/bathhouseculturecenter/calendarDetail.asp?id=7770.

Or, if you would like to join us in May for our next ArtTrek to Paris, France, and paint Monet's Gardens in person, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1420, which goes into detail about our upcoming Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshops. Registration deadline for Paris is this Friday, so don't wait!

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

 Visit my website at NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

Plein-Air Workshop at White Rock Lake

5" x 7" textured oil painting, White Rock Lake, by Niki Gulley

Dallas Plein Air Painting Workshop with Niki Gulley
 Day 2 - Afternoon Location:  Sunset Bay, White Rock Lake

In the afternoon at White Rock Lake, we switched locations to find better light on our subjects. Everyone was drawn to this peaceful bay and the vibrant fall colors. Even though every painter basically sketched the same scene, it was fun seeing each artist's individual style come thorugh. With just a short amount of time left at the end of the day, I quickly captured the lake, shoreline and autumn foliage with a palette knife and my leftover paint before starting our critique.

A perfect ending to our plein air painting workshop at the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake – sharing our work from each day with new friends after a gorgeous weekend of painting outside. Thanks guys!

If you'd like more information about my upcoming workshops in the US and Europe, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13.

Or, to see more of my local Dallas and travel paintings, please stop by the Bath House Cultural Center this weekend for my last show of the year, Nov. 18th - 20th. dallasculture.org/bathhouseculturecenter/index.asp

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E-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com.

NikiGulley.com

Plein Air Painting at White Rock Lake with Niki Gulley

9" x 12" oil painting, White Rock Lake, by Niki Gulley

Dallas Plein Air Painting Workshop with Niki Gulley
 Day 2 - Morning Location: White Rock Lake

On the second day of our plein-air painting workshop, we enjoyed a beautiful morning at White Rock Lake. Focusing on capturing water and the morning light, each painter picked a different vantage point, some choosing only natural subjects and others depicting sailboats on the horizon. I chose to paint these colorful boats largely for their vibrant colors and I liked how the line of the pier leads your eye back to the docked vessels. With a gentle breeze, the water had a little movement and shimmer to it that I suggested along with the vibrant foliage in this peaceful inlet. A perfect autumn morning!

Morning paintings at White Rock Lake.

If you'd like more information about my upcoming workshops in the US and Europe, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13.

Or, to see more of my local Dallas and travel paintings, please stop by the Bath House Cultural Center for my last show of the year, Nov. 18th - 20th. dallasculture.org/bathhouseculturecenter/index.asp

E-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com.

NikiGulley.com

Plein Air Painting Workshop at the Dallas Arboretum with Niki Gulley

Bamboo Forest – 8" x 10" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Afternoon Location: the Dallas Arboretum, Bamboo Garden

In the afternoon of my Plein Air Painting Workshop that I taught at the Dallas Arboretum last weekend, we found another quiet painting spot at the furthest end of the gardens. Again, it was really interesting to see how half a dozen painters all view the scene differently. Some students chose to paint roses, some potted plants and tucked away benches, and others the dappled light coming through the trees highlighting some of the mums and pathways.

My EasyL pochade box and palette set-up.

I've always loved the bamboo garden, so that's what I chose for my subject. I like the feeling of being protected by the tall stalks and the canopy they form overhead. There is a peacefulness back there, so that you feel like you are immersed in the middle of a forest. I also liked the way the light was filtering through in just a couple of places to illuminate the walkway and the distant clearing.

One of my students, Ann McCann, painting the Arboretum's beautiful rose bushes.

If you'd like more information about my upcoming workshops in the US and Europe, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13.

Or, to see more of my local Dallas and travel paintings, please stop by the Bath House Cultural Center for my last show of the year, Nov. 18th - 20th. dallasculture.org/bathhouseculturecenter/index.asp

E-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com.

NikiGulley.com

Plein Air Painting at the Dallas Arboretum with Niki Gulley

Purple Clematis, 8" x 10" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Morning Location: the Dallas Arboretum, Poetry Garden

On the first morning of the Plein Air Painting Workshop I taught at the Dallas Arboretum last weekend, we found one of the most quiet locations we could on such a busy, beautiful morning at the Arboretum. While a little chilly at the start of the day, it quickly warmed up to a beautiful 68 degrees. The gardens were in full fall bloom, and it was difficult to narrow down just a single subject to paint, but each painter picked out something that spoke to them – from a single flower, to a sun-lit path framed by trees, to the architecture in the private garden or a quiet bench framed by flowering pots.

So that my students wouldn't miss out on the morning light, I started a quick demo that I had sketched out the previous day of these clematis. To save time, I had also laid out my palette colors, working with water-soluble oil paints, the night before and stored them in the freezer to keep them from drying out. Pre-mixing some of the purple values in the flowers, the greens of the leaves, and the stucco colors in the background so that I could just paint, and not have to stop and mix colors in the process, I quickly laid in a thin coat of the stucco wall and shadow colors so they could be drying.

Then, I established the darks in the flowers with brush and came on top with lighter colors and palette knife to give the flowers dimension. Normally I would work around the whole canvas, but with plein air painting, your time is so short between when your light changes, that at this stage, I went ahead and finish out the details in my focal point, the two main flowers. Lastly, if there is time left, I finish up the painting, in this case adding leaves, vines, and thick painter to the stucco wall to suggest the sun reflecting off its surface. At this point, it's best to stop and not overwork the spontaneity of the sketch - you can always go back and tweak things back in the studio later.

Check out some of my students' morning paintings. Even though we were set up within 20 feet of each other, I love how each painter sees things differently.

If you'd like more information about my upcoming workshops in the US and Europe, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13.

Or, to see more of my local Dallas and travel paintings, please stop by the Bath House Cultural Center, for my last show of the year, Nov. 18th - 20th. dallasculture.org/bathhouseculturecenter/index.asp

E-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com.

NikiGulley.com

"Ivory Refrain" aspen tree oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Ivory Refrain” ©2011 Niki Gulley

24” x 30” textured oil on canvas

Scrolling bark peels back like white washed parchment revealing secrets in the deeply textured wood below. A painting of grace and beauty, it’s verticality offset by embracing branches wound round as a sheltering arm. Each stroke is crisp, vivid, defined by thick textured oil, rich colors strike a reververberating chord – purple and the compliment of gold create a visual vibration that resonates in an optical song.

To see more of my aspen and birch tree oil paintings, please visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information. 

Sunflower Textured Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

“Rhapsody in Bloom” ©2011 Niki Gulley

12" x 12" textured oil painting on canvas

Painted with extremely thick oil paint and palette knife, my hope is that these sunflowers bursting with color and texture, will put a smile on your face and brighten up a little spot in your home.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured floral paintings.

To see this sunflower painting, visit the upcoming "Spirit of Texas" art show at
the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas, TX, where it will be on display from Nov. 4th through Dec. 31st. dutchartusa.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=390

Or, to see more of Niki Gulley's contemporary oil paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.

New Textured Aspen oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Coming Together” ©2011 Niki Gulley

40” x 30” textured oil on canvas

In this painting I wanted you to feel that child-like wonder of staring up in into the treetops and the heavens above. Choosing calming greens against a lavender-blue peaceful sky and arranging the two main aspens so that they meet in the middle, suggests a feeling of togetherness. While organizing the outlying trees in a circular pattern and using thick, curving, bold orange brushstrokes, creates a joyful, playful mood.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured landscape paintings.

To see this aspen tree painting, visit the upcoming "Spirit of Texas" art show at
the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas, TX, running Nov. 4th through Dec. 31st, where it will be on display. dutchartusa.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=390

Or, to see more of Niki Gulley's contemporary oil paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.

Poppy Painting by Niki Gulley at the Dutch Art Gallery

“Bursting with Color” ©2011 Niki Gulley

Two 24” x 24” textured oil paintings on canvas to form a 24” x 48” diptych

I love it when we are driving leisurely through the countryside and we come across a gorgeous field of wildflowers. The sudden burst of color thrills your senses! Playing with color and texture, I feel like this poppy painting radiates with energy and captures the joy you feel on one of the first beautiful days of spring.

With this series, you can purchase either the left or the right painting to hang alone or display both side by side to form a panorama diptych.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured floral paintings.

To see this poppy painting, visit the upcoming "Spirit of Texas" art show at
at Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas, TX, running Nov. 4th through Dec. 31st, where it will be on display. dutchartusa.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=390

Or, to see more of Niki Gulley's contemporary oil paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.

White Rock Lake oil painting by Niki Gulley

9" x 12" oil painting by Niki Gulley at White Rock Lake

I painted this small oil painting at White Rock Lake earlier this week, getting ready for my Plein Air Workshop this weekend. It was a perfect morning – blue skies and a gentle breeze, with an ideal temperature. I was attracted to the multi-colored sailboats and the interesting pattern they formed. With so many boats, I sketched out my composition and then I had to paint very quickly before the light changed – a fun challenge and an enjoyable, peaceful morning.

For more information on this weekend's painting workshop, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13.

E-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com. 

To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings and local Dallas scenes, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

White Rock Lake painting with Niki Gulley

"Bridge to Tomorrow" ©2011 Niki Gulley

12" x 24" textured oil painting

On a peaceful autumn day last fall, I went out to White Rock Lake and captured this beautiful sunset behind the Dallas skyline. I liked the intricacy of the bridge and how it crossed through the composition, connecting the left and the right sides. The sunlight was peaking through the ironwork and various plants in the foreground were back lit, while the water's surface was shimmering from the low light, spreading vivid colors in all directions. A perfect ending to the day!

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Please join me at the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake this weekend for a 2-day painting workshop. I only have two spots left, so e-mail at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information and to register or visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13.

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To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings and local Dallas scenes, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

"Tell Me Your Dreams" oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Tell Me Your Dreams" ©2011 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 11" x 14" oil painting

Just sold! I absolutely love poppies and seeing them growing in mass! In this painting I wanted to show them in a different way than we're used to seeing poppies so I chose a low angle to show off the beauty of their simplified forms and the strength of such a delicate flower, while capturing the azure blue sky behind them.

If you'd like to learn how to paint nature, join us at the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake this weekend for a 2-day painting and or photography workshop. Space if filling up quickly, so e-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information and to register or visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13.

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To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Painting at the Dallas Arboretum with Niki Gulley

"Golden Moment," Dallas Arboretum ©2011 Niki Gulley

pastel on board • 10" x 19"

The Dallas Arboretum is one of my favorite spots in the metroplex to paint, and last fall it was ablaze with color. I love being there late in the day when the crowds have thinned and the light is softer. In this pastel, I wanted to capture the intense fall foliage and the dramatic purple shadows cast by those trees along this path, which beckons you to wander down it.

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     Join us Oct. 29th and 30th at the Arboretum and White Rock Lake if you'd like to experience nature first hand while improving your painting skills. Even though working in your home or studio might feel quite comfortable, there's nothing like painting the subject that is in front of you. The sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings actually go into your work!

     Capturing the light quickly adds to the excitement and spontaneity of your final piece, while observing values from life will take your painting to a whole new level. Often times don't you wonder when you look back through your photos, "What was I thinking when I took this one?" When you paint en plein air, you'll be able to capture the scene accurately and the magic in that moment, versus being disappointed with your photos. Also, training your eye to see light and shadow accurately on location, will greatly help your studio work by learning to correct what you are seeing in your photos. With only a couple of spots left, I hope you can join us next weekend for this exciting workshop!

Visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13, which tells you about my upcoming Painting Workshop at the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake, Oct. 29th and 30th. Space if filling up quickly, so e-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information and to register.

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If you would like to join us on future ART TREKS to Paris, France in May or Tuscany, Italy in September,visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1420, which goes into detail about our upcoming European Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops.

***

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

To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

"Autumn Splendor" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Autumn Splendor” ©2011 Niki Gulley

36” x 48” textured oil on wrap around canvas • Sold

Just sold! Shimmering colors of autumn: Aspen trees quiver, their light graceful leaves tremble and quake, silver and gold, silver and gold with each light breeze.

There is the quiet energy of change coming and vibrant color charges the woods. Crisp fall mountain air, clean bright skies overhead, a band of slender straight trucks cut bright strokes of white against a dazzling tumble of green, crimson and gold.

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

See NikiGulley.com

Art Treks: Tuscany - last day with Niki Gulley & Scott Williams

"Morning Textures, Tuscany" • 10" x 8" oil by Niki Gulley

Last Day – ART TREKS: TUSCANY
 with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

After a busy full day in Florence, we decided to take it easy on the last day of the workshop and paint in the nearby town of Pienza. Choosing this quiet alleyway and working on a vignette rather than the sprawling landscape, we each picked a doorway and concentrated on its individual character. The age of the stonework, dating from the era of Pope Pious II, and each home's unique heavy wood doors made for a fun study in texture, and some of the best paintings from the trip!

Two of our students painting in a quiet picturesque courtyard in Pienza.

Our last meal in Tuscany, filled with truffles, pecorino, pasta, vino, fun and great memories!

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If you would like to join us on future ART TREKS to Paris, France in May or Tuscany, Italy in September,visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1420, which goes into detail about our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops.

Or, if you'd be interested in learning how to paint "plein air" or improve your location painting a little closer to home, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13, which tells you about my upcoming Painting Workshop at the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake, Oct. 29th and 30th. Space if filling up quickly, so e-mail Niki if you are interested.

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

To see more of my contemporary landscape and Italy paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Tuscany Workshop with Niki Gulley - Florence

"Evening, Florence" • 25" x 19" pastel by Niki Gulley

Day 5, Florence – ART TREKS: TUSCANY
 with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On day five of our Tuscany workshop, we spent the whole day in Florence, visiting some of the best art galleries in the world, exploring its impressive Duomo and architectural sites, and of course shopping! With such a busy day of sight seeing, unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to paint but we took many references to work from back home, such as my pastel above. To top off our day, we had one of the best meals of our trip, and everyone left satiated and happy. Enjoying our stroll back to the van, there’s nothing quite like the romantic feel of Florence after dark when the crowds have left and the streetlights and shop lights cast magical colors that dance across the cobblestone streets, stone buildings, Ponte Vecchio, and the river that kisses it.

Our Tuscany workshop group overlooking Florence.

If you would like to join us on future ART TREKS to Paris, France in May or Tuscany, Italy in September,visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1420, which goes into detail about our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops.

Or, if you'd be interested in learning how to paint "plein air" or improve your location painting a little closer to home, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13, which tells you about my upcoming Painting Workshop at the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake, Oct. 29th and 30th. Space if filling up quickly, so e-mail Niki if you are interested.

***

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

To see more of my contemporary landscape and cityscape paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

"Magical Light," Tuscany - oil by Niki Gulley

"Magical Light, Tuscany" • 8" x 10" oil by Niki Gulley

Day 4, afternoon location – ART TREKS: TUSCANY
 with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

After we finished a delicious antipasto lunch of prosciuttos, local pecorino, and fresh fruits and vegetables, we headed into the hills for our afternoon painting location. Starting fairly late in the day, we timed it so that the light would be soft and golden as we were putting the finishing details on our paintings. For this painting, we focused in closer on one of the tuscan farmhouses, with just a suggestion of the peaks and valleys in the background. Between the quiet surroundings, the quintessential Tuscan vineyard behind us and the perfect weather conditions, this proved to be a very inspiring afternoon.

Niki Gulley and one of her students painting the agriturismos and rolling hills in Tuscany.

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If you would like to join us on future ART TREKS to Paris, France in May or Tuscany, Italy in September,visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1420, which goes into detail about our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops.

Or, if you'd be interested in learning how to paint "plein air" or improve your location painting a little closer to home, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13, which tells you about my upcoming Painting Workshop at the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake, Oct. 29th and 30th. Sign up by the end of today for a $40 savings!

***

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

To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.