"Reclining Thoughts II" Textured Aspen Tree painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

“Reclining Thoughts II” ©2015 Niki Gulley

40" x 30” textured oil painting on wrap around canvas

In this painting, I wanted you to you to experience the joy of looking up into the treetops – just like you did when you were a kid. Lying on the ground, not a care in the world, you gaze in wonderment as the clouds drift by. Choosing warm yellows, reds and greens and utilizing thick chunky staccato strokes add to that childlike whimsy and I hope you are transported back to a happy, carefree time and place.

"Reclining Thoughts" is available through the Good Art Company gallery, goodartcompany.com/gac/.

For more information on my textured palette knife birch and aspen tree oil paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

Just Sold - Ireland palette knife oil painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Ring of Kerry," Ireland ©2015 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 12" x 24" oil painting

This painting is inspired from our trip to the UK a couple of years ago. Unfortunately it rained non-stop for 27 of our 30 days abroad – and that was their "dry" season! We finally got a moment of reprieve on our drive around the Ring of Kerry in Ireland, when we came across this beautiful vantage point. The drizzle eased up for a few minutes and we could enjoy this panoramic view of the bay. I loved the multi-colored hydrangeas in the foreground adding a punch of color to all of the greens and grays. The sun breaking through the cloud cover added a touch of dramatic lighting to make everything come to life and sparkle.

To see more of my contemporary landscape painting, please visit NikiGulley.com.

 For more information on this painting or similar palette knife paintings, please e-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com.

New "Harmonic Hues" - Aspen Tree oil painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

"Harmonic Hues" ©2015 Niki Gulley
36" x 36" oil on canvas

I love painting aspen trees and I usually work with a more primary color palette, but in this painting, I wanted to convey a quieter, more peaceful mood. Opting for calming grey greens, soft golds and reds with hints of teal, Harmonic Hues reminds me of the serenity I feel while walking through the forest on a cool autumn day, being totally immersed in nature, not a care in the world. I hope you are transported, too!

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.

Just Sold - "Living on the Edge" Colorado Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

“Living on the Edge” ©2014 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 20” x 16” textured oil painting

Balancing on the edge of a cliff, this pair of aspen trees stands tall, united against the elements. Painted with palette knife and extremely thick oil paint, this painting captures the textures of the rocky mountain, fall foliage and their natural surroundings.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her palette knife aspen tree and contemporary landscape paintings. 

NikiGulley.com

"Bend Ahead" - New Colorado Aspen Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Bend Ahead” ©2015 Niki Gulley

24” x 18" textured oil painting

Inspired by a trip to Colorado in the fall, trying to catch the beautiful autumn aspens leaves before they dropped, we just caught the last glimpse of color before an early snowfall hit. The combination of golden leaves set against the vivid blue sky, and the cool snow shadows contrasted against glowing light highlights as the sun cast its warming rays, was a symphony to the eye! I hope you, too, can slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this winding journey.

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

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

Recently Sold - "Summer Escape" Tuscany Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Summer Escape," Tuscany ©2015 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 24" x 24" textured oil painting on wrap around canvas set inside an espresso floater frame

Inspired by our travels to Italy, cypress trees rise out of the vast open landscape signaling that you have arrived in Tuscany! Perched on a hilltop with its long curving driveway, this villa is set against the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Rows of soft wheat sway in the breeze and draw your eye back to the rolling hills and beautiful billowing clouds. Painted with palette knife and thick oil paint, this canvas is loaded with movement, color and dimension.

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

For more information on my plein air paintings and workshops in Italy and France, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

New "Survivor" Palette Knife Oil Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

“Survivor” ©2015 Niki Gulley

24” x 18" textured oil painting

From our travels, I have become fascinated with the textures, hues and extreme variety we encounter in different terrains. This lone tree thriving in such a rocky, environment serves as a testament to the power and mystery found in nature. Softened bark from the desert winds contrasts against the jagged rock formation, givinig you a glimpse into nature’s strength.

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

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

Just Sold - "Branching Out" New Textured Palette Knife Barn painting by Niki Gulley

“Branching Out” ©2013 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 18" x 24” textured oil painting

Having grown up in Chicago, my husband and I return to the Midwest every summer, driving through miles of farmland between Texas and Illinois. While sometimes stark, I also find a peacefulness in the wide open countryside, a nostalgic tug on a simpler time from my childhood, and a fascination with the rustic beauty of each barn. I find it inspiring that so many of the structures were built by the farmers themselves from nearby trees, cut down and fashioned by hand. Each one has its unique personality, both pragmatic and aesthetic, a symbol that's stood the test of time despite a disappearing way of life. In "Branching Out," I wanted to juxtapose this sturdy oak framing an iconic red barn in the background, inviting you to climb its branches and relive childhood memories.

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

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

New "Climbing Oaks" Palette Knife Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Climbing Oaks” ©2015 Niki Gulley

20” x 16” textured oil painting

I love the twisting, textured limbs of old oak trees, and the way these two branches formed a keyhole view of the forest beyond was fascinating. Arching the branches upward suggests a touch of whimsey like climbing a tree when you’re a kid. Loaded with texture and surprising pops of color, I hope you, too, are transported to an enchanted place filled with hope and wonder.

If you have any questions about my palette knife paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of Niki Gulley's contemporary landscape paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.

Just Sold "Make a Wish" Aspen Tree Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Make a Wish” ©2015 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 20” x 16” textured oil painting

Reaching to the heavens above, this wishbone shaped aspen tree stretches tall, inviting you to stare in wonderment like a kid again, wishing on a dream. Painted with palette knife and extremely thick oil paint, this painting is loaded with texture, color, energy and movement!

If you have any questions about my palette knife paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of Niki Gulley's contemporary landscape paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.

New "Enduring Spirit" Palette Knife Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

“Enduring Spirit” ©2015 Niki Gulley
20" x 16” textured oil on canvas

Standing tall and proud, this old soul sinks its gnarly roots into the cliff below, persistent and hopeful. I wanted you to get the feeling of staring up in wonderment like when you were a kid discovering things for the first time – noticing the unusual beauty and complexity of its infrastructure. Both grounded and reaching for the heavens, this organic skyscraper connects us to the mysteries of nature while encouraging childhood dreams.

If you have any questions about my palette knife paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of Niki Gulley's contemporary landscape paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.

New "Texas Roots" Palette Knife Oil Painting by Dallas Artist Niki Gulley

“Texas Roots” ©2015 Niki Gulley
16" x 20” textured oil on canvas

Painted on location, I was drawn to this magnificent Magnolia tree with its massive tangle of gnarly roots. Gripping the water’s edge, it anchors the foreground and leads you down the meandering creek where morning light shimmers across its surface. Adding unexpected pops of color, I wanted this painting to be full of joy while giving you a sense of peace in this protected oasis.

If you have any questions about my palette knife paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of Niki Gulley's contemporary landscape paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.

Just Sold - "Cascading Rhythms" Palette Knife Waterfall Painting by Niki Gulley

“Cascading Rhythms” ©2015 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 12” x 24” textured oil on canvas

Water pounds its way down the falls: cascading, rushing, charging into the riverbed -- flowing over rocks, swiftly moving forward. Untamed, the surge finds its way over, under, around the boulder-strewn river. Tumbling waters drive up mists above the falls, the rhythmic sounds create a soothing harmony below. Autumn’s low light casts long lines through the Aspen trees and glowing verge.

If you're in the Dallas area this coming weekend and you'd like to see Autumn Reflections and more of my palette knife paintings in person, please stop by my booth at the Cottonwood Art Festival.

Cottonwood Art Festival

Sat. Oct. 3 • 10am – 7pm

Sun. Sun. Oct. 4 • 10am – 5pm

Richardson, TX

Cottonwood Park at Coit & Beltline

CottonwoodArtFestival.com

If you have any questions, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of Niki Gulley's contemporary landscape paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.