Monday, December 31, 2018

New "Misty Morning" in Tuscany by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Misty Morning," Tuscany ©2018 Niki Gulley
16" x 20" textured oil painting

On this morning in Tuscany, we decided to get up really early so that we could capture sunrise over this beautiful valley. The hills were surrounded by a layer of mist that created this ethereal, peaceful quality to the morning. I really liked how the fog accentuated the miles and miles of rolling landscape, perfectly off-setting the villa surrounded by cypress and olive groves in the foreground. While I’m not usually an early morning person, this turned out to be a very inspiring moment!

To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019 - Only 1 Spot left!

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Friday, December 28, 2018

New Sunflower Palette Knife Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Sun Shines on Tuscany II" ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 16" x 20" textured oil painting

Just Sold! "Sun Shines on Tuscany II" was inspired by our trip to Tuscany this summer. Our timing was perfect and the sunflowers were in full bloom. Their bright, smiling faces as big as dinner plates, the villa and farmland perched on a hilltop in the distance, and a beautiful summer day with a few clouds drifting by made for the ideal subject. The resulting painting is full of warmth, color and texture, and my hope is that when you gaze into it, this piece lifts your spirits and brightens up any spot in your home.

To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019 - Only 1 Spot left!

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

"Sun Shines on Tuscany" - New Sunflower Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

"Sun Shines on Tuscany" ©2018 Niki Gulley
16" x 20" textured oil painting

"Sun Shines on Tuscany" was inspired by our trip to Tuscany this summer. Our timing was perfect and the sunflowers were in full bloom. Their bright, smiling faces as big as dinner plates, the sun dappled path leading you deep into the golden field to the quintessential town perched on a hilltop in the distance , and a beautiful summer day with a few dramatic clouds drifting by made for the ideal subject. The resulting painting is full of warmth, color and texture, and my hope is that when you gaze into it, this piece lifts your spirits and brightens up any spot in your home.

To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019


For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Monday, December 24, 2018

New "Daybreak" Palette Knife Seascape by Niki Gulley

"Daybreak" ©2018 Niki Gulley
9" x 12" textured oil painting

I wanted this painting to be about the power of seawater to lift your spirits. Painting this piece on location, I was hoping you could feel the tides lapping on the shore and hear the rhythmic, soothing sounds of the waves cresting and falling like I was experiencing while painting it. Whenever I visit the beach I always feel rejuvenated, and I hope I’ve translated that onto the canvas for you to experience it, too.

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

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

Saturday, December 22, 2018

"Quiet Life" by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Quiet Life” ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 8" x 10” textured oil painting

Just sold! Painted on location in Tyler, TX, I was drawn to this simple red barn. Full of texture and character, I wanted to capture its essence on that beautiful spring day. While the air was still crisp, the sun was strong casting beautiful shadows and welcoming in spring.

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.


Wednesday, December 19, 2018

"Twisted Roots" Palette Knife Oil Painting by Dallas Artist Niki Gulley


“Twisted Roots” ©2018 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.












Monday, December 17, 2018

New Ghost Ranch, NM Palette Knife Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

"Ghost Ranch" ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 6" x 12"textured oil painting

Just sold!  During our Santa Fe Art Trek, we headed to Georgia O'Keefe's home and painted at the gorgeous Ghost Ranch. Between the striking rock formations, the beauty and uniqueness of the stark desert landscape and the pure quality of the light on everything in sight, it was challenging to narrow down a subject. But, I chose this mountainside with the morning light creating brilliant peach and adobe colored highlights, contrasted against a turquoise-blue sky. The landscape was so wide and open, a panorama format seemed to work best for this scene.

If you'd like more information on my contemporary landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Friday, December 14, 2018

New "Happy Campers" Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Happy Campers" ©2018 Niki Gulley
8" x 16" textured oil painting

Painted on location, I loved these colorful campers we came across at this “glamping” park, and I just had to capture the scene. Their owners seemed to be haivng so much fun and they took such pride in their mobile homes and the way they had decorated them, that a couple even gave us tours of the insides. They were inspiring! I hope this painting brings back fond memoreis of camping for you, too.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on "Happy Campers."

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

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

New "Harmonic Hues" Aspen Tree Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

"Harmonic Hues" ©2018 Niki Gulley
36" x 36" texture oil painting

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, teals and soft golds, with hints of pumpkin and crimson to bring pops of joy and energy. 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.

Monday, December 10, 2018

New Summer Hues Palette Knife Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

"Harmonic Hues" Series ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 12" x 12" textured oil on canvas


I painted this aspen grove with extremely thick oil paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. 

This aspen and birch trees series look great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of the other seasons I've painted to fill a larger space. Hang them horizontally (pictured below), vertically, on a diagonal or stacked like pictured above. E-mail Niki Gulley to find complimentary companion pieces.

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

Friday, December 7, 2018

New Autumn Hues Palette Knife Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

"Harmonic Hues" Series ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 12" x 12" textured oil on canvas

I painted this aspen grove with extremely thick oil paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. 

This aspen and birch trees series look great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of the other seasons I've painted to fill a larger space. Hang them horizontally (pictured below), vertically, on a diagonal or stacked like pictured above. E-mail Niki Gulley to find complimentary companion pieces.

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

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

New "The Old Oak Tree" Oil Painting by Dallas Artist Niki Gulley

"The Old Oak Tree," Winfrey Point ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 11" x 14" textured oil painting

Just Sold! I painted this noble oak on location near our house by White Rock Lake at Winfrey Point. I loved its massive size and its beautiful, twisted trunk and bark. Painting near the base of the tree so that you could get a sense of its canopy surrounding you, I set out to capture its strength and glory. A sliver of the lake peeks through in the distance and I hope you are transported to this pictureque peaceful sopt, immersed by the beauty of nature.

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

E-mail - Niki Gulley

Monday, December 3, 2018

New "Breaking Through" White Rock Lake Painting by Dallas Artist Niki Gulley


"Breaking Through," White Rock Lake ©2018 Niki Gulley
24" x 18" textured oil painting

On a peaceful spring morning, I set up my easel at White Rock Lake to capture the sun rising behind this beautiful, tangled Cottonwood. I liked how the warm light accentuated the tree's curves and textured bark, and I chose this vertical composition to show off its size and strength. In the distance, the light starts to break through the clouds,  causing  the water's surface to glisten and illuminating the landscape. I hope this scene gives you a sense of peace and lifts your spirits for what the day has to bring.

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

E-mail - Niki Gulley

Friday, November 30, 2018

New "Come Fly with Me" Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

"Come Fly with Me" ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 12" x 16" textured oil painting

Just Sold! Painted on location, I wanted this piece to be very inviting and relaxing.  The tide laps against the shore so that you can hear the rhythmic, soothing music of the waves cresting and falling. Sunlight rakes across the wooden porch while you gently rock, enjoying the sounds and the view. Whenever I visit the seashore I always feel rejuvenated, and I hope I’ve translated that onto the canvas for you to experience it, too.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

See NikiGulley.com to see more of her contemporary landscape paintings.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

New "Exploring the Woods" Palette Knife Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Exploring the Woods" ©2020 Niki Gulley
12" x 18" textured oil painting

I painted "Exploring the Woods" on a beautiful fall day at one of my favorite spots near our home. The brilliant gold and tangerine leaves were glowing from the sun backlighting them, and the gnarly tree trunks were forming an intricate web that I just had to capture. Painted with palette knife and thick oil paint, this landscape is filled with tons of texture, color, movement and energy!

If you'd like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops, please let me know. 

For more details, e-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com or go to ArtTreks.org.

For more information on my textured contemporary landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at: nikigulley.com.

Monday, November 26, 2018

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

“Bend Ahead” ©2018 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.

Friday, November 23, 2018

Last Day of Niki Gulley's and Scott Williams' Slovenia / Croatia Art Trek

"Long Shadows," Slovenia ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 9" x 12" oil painting

Slovenia and Croatia Art Trek - Day 6
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Slovenia / Croatia Art Trek, my group of painters decided they'd like to paint at our b & b again. Today the sun was shining, creating beautiful light and shadows on the unique architecture and landscape. Several of us were drawn to these iron tables and potted geraniums that were so inviting. Meanwhile the photographers visited a nearby church perched on a hillside surrounded by misty valleys and mountain peaks. The rest of our group had free time exploring the lake and we gathered that afternoon for a Slovenian wine tasting and to show what we had created that week.

That night we dined on one last delicious dinner, saying good-bye to half of our new friends and getting ready to fly onto Dubrovnik for the rest of our group who wanted to visit the famous southern Croatian city with us. Once again an amazing Art Trek!


To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019



For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

"Wish Granted" oil painting from Slovenia by Niki Gulley

"Wish Granted," Slovenia ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 8" x 6" oil painting

Slovenia and Croatia Art Trek - Day 5
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

The next day, we awoke in Lake Bled to a gentle drizzle, so not letting that get us down, we chose to paint underneath the overhanging roofline of our b & b. The views were so interesting right from there, that we had no trouble picking a subject. I was drawn to this unique old stone well with it's wood slat top and colorful floral foreground. Meanwhile the photographers and tourists visited downtown Bled, which is picturesque in any condition. That afternoon it cleared up and we took a boat ride to the island. Reconvening that evening for an authentic Slovenian dinner at our hotel.


To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019



For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Monday, November 19, 2018

Painting and Photographing Lake Bled with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Lake Bled," Slovenia ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 5" x 7" oil painting

Slovenia and Croatia Art Trek - Day 4
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

For our next adventure on our Slovenia and Croatia Art Trek, we crossed back over the border into Slovenia again to land at the Idyllic town of Bled. Set on a peaceful, picturesque lake, the town is almost like a fairytale come to life. Above you see my painting of the island with its church set out in the middle of the water with the misty mountains in the distance.

That evening, we visited Bled Castle, perched above town with incredible views of the area spreading out below. After dining on a gourmet dinner there with fellow Trekkers and our new friends, we retired full and happy that night!



To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019



For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Painting and Photographing Lake Bled with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Lake Bled," Slovenia ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 5" x 7" oil painting

Slovenia and Croatia Art Trek - Day 4
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

For our next adventure on our Slovenia and Croatia Art Trek, we crossed back over the border into Slovenia again to land at the Idyllic town of Bled. Set on a peaceful, picturesque lake, the town is almost like a fairytale come to life. Above you see my painting of the island with its church set out in the middle of the water with the misty mountains in the distance.

That evening, we visited Bled Castle, perched above town with incredible views of the area spreading out below. After dining on a gourmet dinner there with fellow Trekkers and our new friends, we retired full and happy that night!



To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019



For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Friday, November 16, 2018

New "Rhythmic Memories" Oil Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

"Rhythmic Memories" ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 12" x 16" textured oil painting

Just Sold! Painted on location, I wanted this piece to be very inviting and relaxing.  The tide laps against the shore so that you can hear the rhythmic, soothing music of the waves cresting and falling. Sunlight rakes across the wooden porch while you gently rock, enjoying the sounds and the view. Whenever I visit the seashore I always feel rejuvenated, and I hope I’ve translated that onto the canvas for you to experience it, too.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

See NikiGulley.com to see more of her contemporary landscape paintings.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Croatia / Slovenia Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Laundry Day," Croatia ©2018 Niki Gulley
6" x 8" oil painting

Slovenia and Croatia Art Trek - Day 3
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the third day of our Slovenia / Croatia Art Trek, my husband (Scott Williams) led the photographers and tourists back to the amazing waterfall park to explore some more. Since it is challenging to paint in there with the narrow walkways and many tourists in the afternoon, we stayed to paint at our b & b. I loved the laundry drying on the line in their backyard with the unusual Croatia roofline in the distance.

That evening, we all gathered together for another delicious Croatian meal.


To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019



For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Monday, November 12, 2018

Palette Knife Red Roses oil painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Rhapsody in Bloom" ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 12" x 12" textured oil painting on canvas 

Just sold! I painted these roses from the still life with extremely thick paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. 

This floral looks great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of my other contemporary flower paintings. Hang them horizontally, vertically, on a diagonal or stacked.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on this piece or to find out about complimentary companion paintings.

To see more of my textured palette knife oil paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

Friday, November 9, 2018

Visiting a Waterfall Paradise in Croatia with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Hidden Oasis" ©2018 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 12" x 9" textured oil painting

Slovenia and Croatia Art Trek - Day 2
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On our second full day of our Slovenia / Croatia Art Trek, we drove over the border into Croatia to visit their amazing state park, Plitvice Lakes. Connected by hundreds of waterfalls flowing into "hanging lakes," the scenery is a nature lover's paradise! Water cascades over cliffs into crystal clear turquoise waters below as far as one hikes in any direction. It is unlike any place else we've ever visited.


After exploring the park, we checked into our b and b for the night and dined on a traditional dinner that evening. Another fantastic day!

To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019



For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Painting Dragons in Slovenia with Niki Gulley

"Dragon," Ljubljana ©2018 Niki Gulley
7" x 5" textured oil painting

Slovenia and Croatia Art Trek - Day 1
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

This summer, my husband, Scott Williams, and I led an Art Trek to Slovenia and Croatia where we taught photography, painting and showed the rest of our group who weren't painting or photographing some of the highlights in those countries. It was an amazing trip, and everyone said it was probably two of their favorite countries they'd ever visited!


On our first day, we arrived in Ljubljana, the capitol of Slovenia. The city is lined with dragons everywhere since they are the symbol for the city and they even have a Dragonolgy course through the local college! We chose to paint their famous Dragon Bridge while the photographers shot and explored the city. Above is one of the bronze creatures that greet you as you're crossing the bridge.

That afternoon we gave everyone free time to explore the castle, the beautiful city streets and architecture, shop, etc. and that evening we gathered for an amazing meal at their Michelin rated restaurant. A perfect ending to a wonderful day!

To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Venice, Italy Carnival - Feb. 2019
Scotland - Aug. 2019
Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2019

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.