Wednesday, January 30, 2019

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

Como Beauty ©2018 Niki Gulley • 8" x 10" 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!

I love the mountainous scenery surrounding the lake, the unique architecture and the lush foliage that grows everywhere. Strolling along the shore, hopping from town to town on the ferry, and just relaxing on a balcony soaking in that amazing view, are some of the highlights visiting there. On this evening, I set up my easel to capture the soft pinks and yellows as the sun set in the distance over the peaceful village, filling the scene with a magical light.


***
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!


Scotland - Aug. 2019
Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2019
Iceland - 2020

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

***

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

Monday, January 28, 2019

Visiting Vernazza, Italy with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Vernazza ©2018 Niki Gulley • 5" x 7" Textured oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day3 - Vernazza

When we arrived in Vernazza, the photographers and tourists took off exploring the town and scenic overlooks above while the painters set up their easels near the harbor to capture the beautiful golden late afternoon light. Right after sunset, Scott took the photographers to shoot the dreamy blue light and glow of the city colors. I painted the small sunset below and the other painters went shopping. Later, we all met up for a delicious dinner of locally caught fish, pastas and regional wine. Full and happy, we rode the train back to Monterosso and crashed that evening after a fun-filled day.

Vernazza Sunset ©2018 Niki Gulley • 5" x 7" Textured oil painting



"Safe Harbor," Vernazza ©2014 Scott Williams • photograph 

***
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!


Scotland - Aug. 2019
Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2019
Iceland - 2020

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


***

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

Friday, January 25, 2019

Day 2, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Painted Houses," Riomaggiore ©2018 Niki Gulley • 9" x 12" Textured oil painting
SOLD

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 2, Morning Location: Riomaggiore

After a good night's rest, we took the train that connects the five cities along the Italian coast to the southern most town of Riomaggiore. This morning the temperature was perfect, but we had more cloud cover with only occasional breaks of sunshine. Our painters set up our easels to capture this beautiful view of the colorful town and their ocean overlook while the photographers and tourists checked out the town and surroundings. 

That afternoon, everyone had free time and I decided to paint a small 5" x 7" of the harbor in the town we were staying at, Monterosso. It's such a colorful, energetic setting!



***
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!


Scotland - Aug. 2019
Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2019
Iceland - 2020

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

***

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

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Day 1, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Vino for Two" ©2018 Niki Gulley • 10" x 8" oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 1: Monterosso / the 5 Village Hike

We were greeted in Cinque Terre with gorgeous sunny weather, so the photographers and tourists headed out on our first morning on the 5 mile scenic hike high above, linking the five cities of the Cinque Terre, taking in breathtaking scenery along the way. With our paint gear, we opted to stay in Monterosso and capture this beautiful quiet courtyard, with its picturesque fountain and colorful tables. I love the courtyards in Italy – they are so warm and inviting, reminding us to relax and enjoy the moment rather than rushing onto the next thing on our list. Painted on location in Cinque Terre, Italy, I enjoyed hanging out here, taking in the sound of the fountain trickling, savoring the local red wine, and spending time conversing with my husband. I hope this painting reminds you of a similar special memory.

That evening we connected with the hikers and enjoyed a delicious dinner of fresh caught seafood, local pesto and pasta, and tasty Italian wine. A great end to a perfect first 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!


Scotland - Aug. 2019
Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2019
Iceland - 2020

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

***

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

Monday, January 21, 2019

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

"Greek Puzzle" ©2018 Niki Gulley • 8" x 10" oil painting
SOLD

Day 4, Greece Art Trek:  Afternoon Location - Oia, Santorini

Just Sold! The painters chose to set up their easels by the lookout point at the edge of town, with some painting the windmills and skyline to our left and I chose this sprawling view of the city on the right. With a far more complicated scene, we had to allow a full afternoon and evening to capture the view. After so much white and blue architecture, I loved how several of the buildings were painted oranges, yellows and pinks contrasting agains the stark alabaster.

That evening we put down our brushes and let the photographers work on capturing the beautiful sunset, while we sat back and enjoyed the amazing view!





Scotland - Aug. 2019
Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2019
Iceland - 2020

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

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionist oil paintings.

Friday, January 18, 2019

New "Serpentine Drive" in Tuscany by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

"Serpentine Drive" ©2019 Niki Gulley 
12" x 16" textured oil painting

Before we taught our Tuscany Foodie Trek, my husband and I spent a few days exploring the Tuscan countryside, painting and photographing the iconic scenery. "Serpentine Drive" illustrates one of the fascinating places we stopped with its mile long cypress lined drive. It felt like the trees snaked back and forth to infinity! Setting up my easel in late afternoon, I was able to capture the dramatic light as the setting sun illuminated the tops of the rolling hills and created long, dramatic shadows. Between the repetition of the vertical arbors and the horizontally flowing hills, the scene created a rhythmic harmony that added to the joy and serenity of the moment. 

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


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.

**********


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

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Visiting Montepulciano and Tuscan Wineries with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Montepulciano," Morning Light ©2018 Niki Gulley 
12" x 9" textured oil painting • SOLD

Just sold! During our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we headed to the wine town of Montepulciano. Perched atop a giant hill with beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards below, I set up my easel at this breathtaking overlook while the rest of our group visited wineries or took a cooking class with a local chef. 

After lunch, we visited a winery nearby to sample their Rossos, Vino Nobiles and the delicious sweet dessert wine, Vin Santo. Full from the local meats and cheeses and tasty red wines, we headed back to the villa for a quiet night of relaxing and soaking in the evening scenery.


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


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.

**********


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

New "Cypress Gathering" by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Cypress Gathering" ©2018 Niki Gulley
9" x 12" textured oil painting

I painted "Cypress Gathering" on our  plein air painting workshop in Tuscany. I've always been attracted to this lone clump of cypress trees and on this day the clouds in the sky were so fascinating. Hugging so close to the ground, soft and voluminous, acting as the perfect backdrop behind the cypress grove, I had to capture it before they disappeared. I decided to have fun with the colors and strokes to add to the excitement and drama of the moment.

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


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.

**********


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

Monday, January 14, 2019

New "Ready for Harvest III" Grapevine Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

"Ready for Harvest III" ©2019 Niki Gulley
16" x 12" textured oil painting

In “Ready for Harvest III,” I set up my easel at the agriturismo we were staying at in Tuscany to capture this gorgeous view of the rolling hills and the grapevines planted on their property. The grapes were so plump and juicy, it looked like they could be harvested any day. I liked how the plantings framed the view in the distance, creating a sort of window pane in the foreground, with just a sliver of the farmhouse in the mid-ground. With some clouds rolling in, the sun created that unusual glow that I’ve only seen in Italy with gorgeous purple shadows and gold and pinks hitting the hillsides, giving them form. I hope you, too, are transported to this peaceful place surrounded by beauty, warmth and delicious home-grown food and wine.

"Ready for Harvest III" is hanging at Seaside Gallery in Pismo Beach, CA. If you are interested in purchasing or more details, please contact them at:

Seaside Gallery
580 Cypress Street
Pismo Beach, California
(805) 773-8057

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, January 11, 2019

New "Ready for Harvest II" Winery Painting by Texas Niki Gulley

"Ready for Harvest II" ©2019 Niki Gulley
16" x 12" textured oil painting

I love how in Tuscany you are surrounded by grapevines everywhere you go. My husband and I visited late in the summer to capture the area’s beauty on canvas and film. I was drawn to this vineyard outside of Montalcino, home of Brunello wines. I was attracted to the vibrant vines contrasted against the progressive miles of golden rolling hills dotted with more grapevines, olive trees, and plowed grain fields. The gorgeous, plump purple grapes were ready to harvest at any moment. Setting up my easel across from this vineyard, I began recreating the soft light that would break through the clouds and illuminate various hilltops and plantings. I arranged the vines to lead your eye back to the Tuscan villa and then to the beautiful countryside beyond. And when I finished, we treated ourselves to one of their delicious wines. A perfect afternoon!

"Ready for Harvest II" is hanging at Seaside Gallery in Pismo Beach, CA. If you are interested in purchasing or more details, please contact them at:

Seaside Gallery
580 Cypress Street
Pismo Beach, California
(805) 773-8057

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, January 9, 2019

New "Ready for Harvest" Vineyard Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Ready for Harvest" ©2019 Niki Gulley
16" x 12" textured oil painting

We visited Tuscany at the end of summer and were surrounded by grapevines everywhere we went, with the gorgeous, plump purple grapes ready to harvest at any moment. I loved the vibrant vines in the foreground framing the rolling hills dotted with more grapevines, olive trees, and plowed grain fields in the distance. Setting up my easel across from this vineyard, I created this textured oil painting with palette knife and a lot of paint. I arranged the planted vines to lead your eye back to the Tuscan villa and then to the hill town perched above the valley. Morning light cast deep purple shadows on the ground and caused the leaves and soil to glow. As a treat when I finished, we enjoyed a picnic of salami, proscuitto, pecorino and of course, vino. Yum!

"Ready for Harvest" is hanging at Seaside Gallery in Pismo Beach, CA. If you are interested in purchasing or more details, please contact them at:

Seaside Gallery
580 Cypress Street
Pismo Beach, California
(805) 773-8057

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.


Monday, January 7, 2019

New "Flowing Patterns" from Tuscany by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Flowing Patterns, "Tuscany ©2019 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 9" x 12" textured oil painting

JUST SOLD!  On the first morning of our Tuscany Art Trek, my husband went over camera functions and tips with his photography students while my painters set up to capture this gorgeous view of the distant hills and farmhouse that we see from our breakfast table each morning. With a few clouds drifting by, there was a beautiful soft light and a symphony of autumn colors framed by the quintessential Tuscan cypress tree in the foreground. What a perfect morning!

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, January 4, 2019

New "Tranquil Life" Oil Painting of Tuscany by Niki Gulley

"Tranquil Life, "Tuscany ©2019 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 9" x 12" textured oil painting

JUST SOLD!  During a recent trip to Tuscany,  I set up my easel one afternoon  to capture this beautiful view of the distant hills and tiny rustic stone church. With dramatic clouds drifting by creating warm bursts of light on the foreground, a symphony of autumn colors glowed and the white structure popped in the distance. The setting was so peaceful and uplifting that I hope you, too, can slow down and enjoy the calmer pace that Tuscany has to offer.

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, January 2, 2019

New "Guiding Us Home" Oil Painting by Niki Gulley at Seaside Gallery

"Guiding Us Home" ©2019 Niki Gulley
16" x 12" textured oil painting

Inspired by our travels to Italy, cypress trees rise out of the vast open landscape signaling that you have arrived in Tuscany! Nestled in a valley with its long arbor-lined driveway, this villa is set against the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Undulating rows of wheatfields and vineyards draw your eye back through the rolling hills and beautiful billowing clouds drift overhead.  Late day sunlight casts dramatic shadows creating a rhythm beckoinging you to journey down the drive, guiding you home.

"Guiding Us Home" is hanging at Seaside Gallery in Pismo Beach, CA. If you are interested in purchasing or more details, please contact them at:

Seaside Gallery
580 Cypress Street
Pismo Beach, California
(805) 773-8057

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.