Painting at Oak Alley Plantation with Niki Gulley

"Rooted," Oak Alley Plantation  ©2014 Niki Gulley • 9" x 12" palette knife oil painting

New Orleans Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 4, Oak Alley Plantation

On the final day of our New Orleans Art Trek, we drove out to Oak Alley Plantation and were awed by its impressive grounds and 300 year old oak trees. Enjoying the quiet after the busy bustle of New Orleans, we each set out to capture something different, from the beauty of these old gnarled trees to the formality of the mansion to the modest slave quarters. Everyone's painting turned out fantastic and we gathered at the end of the day to look at our progress each day and view the photographers slideshows from the trip. What a wonderful Art Trek! 

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Painting in the Garden District with Niki Gulley

"Pretty in Pink," New Orleans  ©2014 Niki Gulley • 12" x 9" palette knife oil painting

New Orleans Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 3, The Garden District

On our third day of the New Orleans workshop, we rode the trolley to the Garden District and set out to capture the beautiful architecture while the photographers went in search of the perfect shot. Several of us were attracted to this beautiful grand pink house, and in particular I loved the old oak tree framing it. That evening, we dined again on a delicious Cajun dinner at Brennan's and took in some local talent at the jazz clubs afterwards. A fun day!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Painting in the French Quarter with Niki Gulley, New Orleans Art Trek

"Flying High," New Orleans  ©2014 Niki Gulley • 12" x 9" palette knife oil painting

New Orleans Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2, Afternoon Location: The French Quarter

That afternoon, we chose this quieter picturesque alley, loaded with color and life. I loved the vibrant flags flying high from each balcony, while others chose interesting cafés, balconies and storefronts to paint. That night we met up with the photographers and dined on a delicious dinner at Mr. B's Bistro. A perfect end to the day!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Painting Jackson Square with Niki Gulley, New Orleans Art Trek 2014

SOLD •  5" x 7" palette knife oil painting  ©2014 Niki Gulley

New Orleans Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2: Jackson Square

On the second day of our New Orleans Art Trek, we set up our easels near Jackson Square to capture the architecture and energy of the city while the photographers went on to visit the downtown streets and infamous cemeteries. Some of my painters chose to record the whole street scene, while others focused in on interesting architectural details. I liked this tangled oak tree branch framing the coral wrought iron French Revival building behind it. Again, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day! On the way to our second painting location, we fueled up on Po Boy sandwiches and refreshments.

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

New Orleans Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

  7" x 5" palette knife oil painting  ©2014 Niki Gulley

New Orleans Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1: Fabourg Marigny

Later that afternoon, the light had changed so much on our morning subjects, that some of us had to switch gears and look for a different idea. I loved this tangled oak tree and with the golden light coming on, I set to capturing its vibrant colors before the glow was gone. That evening we went out for a delicious Creole dinner of oysters, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and other New Orleans favorites while swapping stories from the day and getting to know each other better.

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

New Orleans Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Dappled Light," New Orleans ©2014 Niki Gulley • 9" x 12" oil painting 

New Orleans Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1: Fabourg Marigny

On the first day or our New Orleans Art Trek, I took the painters to the far end of the French Quarter to capture some of the beautiful architecture and wrought iron balconies so typical of the city while Scott led the photographers throughout the Quarter looking for the perfect shot. We couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was a perfect sunny 70 degrees with barely a breeze – ideal painting conditions! We breaked for lunch on delicious crab cakes, salads and sandwiches and returned that afternoon to our morning location to finish our work.

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Last Day, Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Unveiling Sunshine," Lake Como ©2014 Niki Gulley • 10" x 8" oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 8: Varenna

On the last day of Lake Como Art Trek, we stayed right at our hotel and painted the gorgeous view of the town and water below while the photographers explored some more. We reconvened later that afternoon to see what the painters had created each day and watch a slide show of the photographer's work. That evening we dined on a delicious meal of local meats, lake fish, pastas and of course, wine, while enjoying our last night together with new friends. A perfect ending to a wonderful trip!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 7, Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Villa with a View" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 12" x 9" oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 7, afternoon location: Villa Babianello

After a busy schedule the day before, several of us opted to take it easy and join a cooking class while others visited the castle in town and one of the villages across the lake. We were whisked away to a tiny nearby hamlet where the chef, Moreno, prepares all of the dishes himself that he serves for dinner at his restaurant. He started the morning out by feeding us cappuccino and homemade cake to enjoy while he began showing us how to roll out and form pasta for cheese tortellini and marinara from scratch. Next up, was a decadent potatoes gruyere with ham slices, all of which we got to sample. The finalé was the creamiest mushroom risotto, local red wine, and don't forget the limoncello for dessert. Yum!

Late that afternoon, we visited the Botanic garden in Varenna, which is spectacular with its colorful tropical plantings, elaborate villa, sculptures and fountains, and fantastic views along the lake. What a great day!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 6, Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Villa with a View" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 12" x 9" oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6, afternoon location: Villa Babianello

In the afternoon, we visited the impressive Villa Babianello, made famous in both the James Bond and Star Wars films. It lives up to its reputation, perched atop lush formal gardens with a gorgeous scenic overlook of the water. After such beautiful views of the lake that day, we treated ourselves to an elegant dinner with another breathtaking panorama of Lake Como below. Dinner was amazing with red pepper prawn soup, scallops in pumpkin risotto, caprese salad and delicious wine to wash it down!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Visiting Bellagio with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Bellagio Beauty" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 8" x 10" Textured oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6, morning location: Bellagio

The next morning we awoke rested and raring to go, so we boarded a ferry that would first take us to Bellagio. The photographers and tourists spent most of their morning exploring town and the botanic garden, shopping and shooting, while we set up our easels in the lush public gardens nearby. The morning was a little overcast so we chose to focus on the vibrant foliage and plantings rather than the view of the harbor, so that our paintings would be full of color!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Arriving in Lake Como, Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Varenna ©2014 Niki Gulley • 9" x 12" Textured oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 5: Arriving in Varenna on Lake Como

Next up on our Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek, we drove to the peaceful town of Varenna at the northern end of Lake Como. Our hotel has the most amazing views of the lake and the colorful town below. It's my idea of paradise!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 4, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Villa with a View" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 10" x 8" Textured oil painting

Day 4, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On our last day in the Cinque Terre, we visited the final Cinque Terre town of Manarola. Opting to leave our paint gear and just be tourists for the morning, we joined the photographers in exploring the town and grabbing a light lunch.

"Crescendo," Manarola ©2014 Scott Williams • photograph

That afternoon we opted to paint this picturesque Italian courtyard, keeping our composition simple for a quick, fun and colorful study. That evening we gathered for another delicious dinner!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 3, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Morning Overlook," Monterosso ©2014 Niki Gulley • 9" x 12" oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 3: Monterosso and Cornelia

After a busy day in Riomaggiore the day before, our painters stayed closer to home and painted this beautiful scenic overlook of the town of Monterosso. The photographers and tourists spent some time exploring our town and then took the train to Cornelia, where they shot and shopped in the village perched highest of all the Cinque Terre towns.

Later that afternoon, we reconvened and stopped by a local winery to sample their whites, reds, limoncino and regional delicious dessert wine, Sciacchetrá.

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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