"Autumn Symphony" pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Autumn Symphony” ©2014 Niki Gulley

Pastel • 24” x 36”

This is a quiet, protected creek by our house that I like escaping to when I need a break from city life. On this perfect autumn day, there was the gentlest of breezes rustling the leaves, the vibrant fall foliage was at its peak and the only sounds to be heard came from the trickling of the nearby waterfall and the birds’ sweet melodies.

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information about "Autumn Symphony."

Please visit my website at NikiGulley.com  to see more of my pastels and oil paintings of contemporary landscapes.

Last Night, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 7, Provence Art Trek:

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

That evening we gathered for a final critique and "show and tell" from the trip. The photographers presented their strongest images in a slide show and provided us with happy memories from the trip, while opening our eyes to creative possibilities we never considered. The painters showed off their talented creations from each day of the trip and swapped ideas of which aspects they liked best.

Paintings from the show and tell of Aix-en-Provence

Paintings from the show and tell of lavender and sunflower fields

Paintings from the show and tell of our b and b grounds

For dinner that night, we gathered for one more delicious meal of escargot, filet crusted in mushrooms and chocolate volcano cake washed down with some amazing red wine. Having formed new friendships and enjoyed wonderful memories from the trip, our Provence Art Trek had come to a bittersweet end.

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year's trip to Provence, June 25th - July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year's trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 7, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

9" x 12" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley • SOLD

Day 7, Provence Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Provence Art Trek, we decided to stay right at our b and b to paint since it was so beautiful. Meanwhile the photographers explored the nearby area, and others relaxed with a morning massage at a nearby spa. Choosing what to paint was a challenge since the grounds are so picturesque. Myself and another painter set up our easels by this lovely lavender-lined Provencal home, while another chose to paint the rose-filled courtyard and another set up by the ancient Roman bridge on the back of the property. It was a gorgeous morning and everyone's paintings turned out great!

For lunch we headed into the nearby hill town, grabbed a delicious snack and had time to explore the back alleys and hike up to the town's fortress with panorama views of the sweeping valleys and countryside.

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year's trip to Provence, June 25th - July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year's trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 6, Provence Art Trek - Visiting the Luberon Hill Towns

"Abbey de Senanque," Provence ©2014 Niki Gulley

5" x 7" oil painting

Day 6, Provence Art Trek: the Luberon

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

After a peaceful day in the countryside, we headed to the Luberon hill towns today. Starting our journey at the Abbey de Senanque. some of our group toured the twelfth century sanctuary's interior, while others painted and photographed the lavender fields and grounds surrounding the abbey. Next we traveled to the red and gold colored town of Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs. Filled with picturesque views, art galleries, restaurants and interesting shops, everyone enjoyed having some free time to wander before we took off for the Pont Julien bridge. The Roman bridge, dating from 3 BC and constructed without mortar, is an architectural marvel that was still driven on until 2005! After surveying the bridge, we sampled some more local wines and headed back to our b and b. Dinner that night was traditional Provencal fare, including fresh vegetables, fish, meats, and goat cheeses loaded with delicious sauces, garlic and butter. Yum!

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year's trip to Provence, June 25th - July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year's trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

More Lavender Painting and Photography with Scott Williams and Niki Gulley

"Diagonal Patterns," Provence ©2014 Niki Gulley

9" x 12" textured oil painting

Day 5, Provence Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Not being able to get enough of the lavender and sunflower fields, we had to paint a second composition. Wanting to focus on something different in this painting, I chose to include more of the landscape so that I could include these amazing clouds drifting by in diagonal patterns that mimicked the lavender rows. The final image is loaded with color, texture and movement! That afternoon, we sampled some more Cotes du Rhone wines and finished our day in the spa town of Greoux les Bains with another amazing Michelin star restaurant.

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year's trip to Provence, June 25th - July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year's trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 5, Provence Art Trek - Lavender and Sunflower Fields

"Sunny Days," Provence ©2014 Niki Gulley

9" x 12" textured oil painting

Day 5, Provence Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the fifth day of our Provence Art Trek, we set up our easels in this gorgeous lavender and sunflower field. The color and aroma explosion were out of this world – a painter's and photographer's dream come true. Words can't even describe how special that moment was!

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year's trip to Provence, June 25th - July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year's trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 4, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Place de Albertas," Aix, France ©2014 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 9" x 12" oil painting

Day 4, Provence Art Trek: Aix-en-Provence

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Today we checked out of our hotel and headed to Provence's cultural hub and Cezanne's home, Aix-en-Provence. After visiting its famous Cours Mirabeau boulevard, lined with cafés and plane trees, its morning produce market and some of its 15th-17th century built buildings, we parted from the photographers and set up our easels at this picturesque fountain courtyard. Having several hours to paint, we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful day and each painter's unique view of the scene. Some focused on the fountain, while others on the architecture and some on the nearby cafés. Everyone's painting turned out great!

Painting in Aix-en-Provence

Next, we headed deep into the lavender country to our picturesque b and b, where we spent the rest of the trip. And, of course we completed the day with another delicious meal!

Our b&b

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year's trip to Provence, June 25th - July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year's trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 3, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 3, Provence Art Trek: Les Baux / Chateauneuf

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the third day of our Provence Art Trek, we visited the picturesque town of Les Baux, perched atop  its rocky outcropping with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside below. Everyone had time to visit the castle, galleries, shops and even sketch off a quick watercolor for some of our painters. In the afternoon we went to one of the most renowned wine towns in the world and sampled some amazing Chateaunef du Pape wines. Dinner that night was again delicious and set in the most beautiful courtyard on a perfect 70 degree evening!

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year's trip to Provence, June 25th - July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year's trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 2, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Secret Garden," Provence ©2014 Niki Gulley

12" x 9" oil painting

Day 2, Provence Art Trek:

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the second day of our Provence Art Trek, half of our group stayed and painted at our picturesque hotel, while the other half visited the Montmajour Abbey built starting in the tenth century A.D. While the light was a little tricky to capture going in and out of the clouds, we thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful morning painting in a quintessential Provence courtyard.

Photo by Sheri Jones

That afternoon, we visited the ancient Roman city of Arles, marveling at its in tact amphitheater from 90 AD, triumphal arch, and ancient theater, while retracing the footsteps of Van Gogh and seeing his colorful vision of rather ordinary painting locations.

That night, we feasted on mussels, sea bream, various meat dishes and mouth-watering pastries at an award-winning restaurant. Bon Appetit!

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year's trip to Provence, June 25th - July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year's trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-25, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 1, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1, Provence Art Trek:

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the first day of our Provence Art Trek, we headed to our picturesque hotel outside of Arles, unpacked, relaxed and went into town for our first wine tasting of the trip. Sampling some tasty local vintages, we walked nearby to a Michelin-rated restaurant for dinner, which was straight out of an impressionist painting (see below)!

Our meal was out of this world, too, with incredibly creative twists on classic French cuisine. Everyone enjoyed the food, wine, company and a perfect evening outside. A great way to start the trip!

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year's trip to Provence, June 25th - July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year's trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-25, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 6, Paris Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams – Monet's Garden

Monet's Garden ©2014 Niki Gulley

9" x 12" oil painting

Day 6, Paris Art Trek: Monet's Garden

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Paris Art Trek, we headed to Monet's Garden in Giverny, which is incredible! The grounds are bursting with blooms, and they've kept it just like out of his paintings, especially in the water gardens. We set up our easels across from the bridge in his famous water lily paintings, and started on our own interpretations of the gorgeous location. What a treat!

That night we gathered for our last delicious meal with new friends and good memories. A perfect end to a perfect week!

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-25, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 5, Paris Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams - Versailles

Versailles ©2014 Niki Gulley

5" x 7" pastel • SOLD

Day 5, Paris Art Trek: Versailles

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Today, we packed up and left our hotel for the opulent Palace of Versailles. After touring the chateau in all of its decadence, we dined al fresco and settled on the quiet painting location above in the formal gardens. It was another gorgeous day and the grounds were in full bloom. The garden staff even offered us fixative for our pastels when we were finished painting!

Next, we arrived at our B and B in Giverny – just a little slice of heaven! I felt like we entered the pages of a fairy tale!

That night we dined on another delicious dinner of Coquilles Saint Jacques, roast lamb, giant prawns, chocolate molten cake and some delicious Bordeaux to wash it down!

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-25, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 4, Paris Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams – Montmartre

Day 4, Paris Art Trek: Montmartre

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On day four of our Paris Art Trek, we ditched the painting gear and headed to Montmartre, home of so many famous French Impressionists and artists. Taking in the impressive Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, exploring the back alleys, making time for a little shopping, and swinging by the Moulin Rouge on our way home, everyone enjoyed a fun-filled day of sightseeing.

Tonight's dinner consisted of grilled steak with a red wine reduction, sautéed veggies, broiled bone marrow and scalloped potatoes. We had to wash this down with a couple of bottles of Bordeaux, which were more than up to the task. Lastly we had a chocolate chocolate something or other. It was a chocolate ganache on top of a layer of cream mixed with passion fruit, all inside a chocolate shell, covered with fruit and drizzled with raspberry sauce. All and all, not too shabby! Stay tuned for further gastronomic adventures, because you ain't seen nothing yet!!!

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 

New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 

The French Riviera – June 16-25, 2015

 Provence, France – June 25 - July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.