New "Olive Grove" from Tuscany by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Olive Grove," Tuscany ©2019 Niki Gulley 

10" x 20" textured oil painting

During our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we headed to the wine town of Montalcino to sample some of Italy's world famous Brunello. On our way, we stopped at this beautiful convent with massive ancient olive trees growing on the grounds. In the distance, you can see the nearby hill town with vineyards and more olive groves lining the hillside. I wanted to capture the beauty of those regal olive trees on a beautiful sun-filled day in Tuscany.

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

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2020

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

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E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Scotland Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

12" x 16” textured oil painting - work in progress

Scotland Art Trek – Days 6: Isle of Skye - Dunvegan Castle and Portree
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

For the next day on our Scotland Art Trek, we spent the morning touring the 13th century built Dunvegan Castle and its gorgeous gardens. That afternoon, we attempted to paint some of the beautiful houses around Portree with their lush gardens. Unfortunately, mother nature had other ideas and we got some of that Scottish sunshine before we could finish. As luck would have it, though, this was the first day that rain actually kept us from painting or shooting during the whole trip! The rest of our group, enjoyed the afternoon of free time, experiencing some whisky tastings, shopping in town and relaxing before we began our drive back to Edinburgh. That evening, we gathered for our critique or show and tell, always fun getting to see what everyone painted and photographed over the course of the week. We ended the night with a delicious dinner, enjoying our new found friendships.

Our Scotland Art Treks group enjoying a delicious dinner together.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Scotland and other travel painting series.

***

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

Venice - Feb. 2020

Greece - May 2020

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

Scotland Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

12" x 16” textured oil painting - work in progress

Scotland Art Trek – Days 6: Isle of Skye - Dunvegan Castle and Portree
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

For the next day on our Scotland Art Trek, we spent the morning touring the 13th century built Dunvegan Castle and its gorgeous gardens. That afternoon, we attempted to paint some of the beautiful houses around Portree with their lush gardens. Unfortunately, mother nature had other ideas and we got some of that Scottish sunshine before we could finish. As luck would have it, though, this was the first day that rain actually kept us from painting or shooting during the whole trip! The rest of our group, enjoyed the afternoon of free time, experiencing some whisky tastings, shopping in town and relaxing before we began our drive back to Edinburgh. That evening, we gathered for our critique or show and tell, always fun getting to see what everyone painted and photographed over the course of the week. We ended the night with a delicious dinner, enjoying our new found friendships.

Our Scotland Art Treks group enjoying a delicious dinner together.

***

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Scotland and other travel painting series.

***

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

Venice - Feb. 2020

Greece - May 2020

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New "Peaks and Valleys" Palette Knife Painting from Edinburgh, Scotland by Niki Gulley

"Peaks and Valleys" ©2019 Niki Gulley

12" x 16” textured oil painting

Scotland Art Trek – Days 5: Isle of Skye - Quiraing
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Next up on our Scotland Art Trek itinerary was a morning stop at the Quiraing, a unique area filled with high cliffs, hidden plateaus and unusual rock formations. Allowing a full morning for my painters to capture the land's unique beauty, everyone did an amazing job! I chose this vantage point with some of the purple heather growing in the foreground, adding a nice color contrast to all of that lush greenery. The photographers hiked all around, capturing unique angles and then we all treated ourselves to lunch. Afterwards, we stopped at Mealt Falls to take in the waterfall's power and beauty, and then we finished the day back in Portree.

Photographers searching for that perfect angle to capture the Quiraing's beauty.

Our Scotland Art Treks group enjoying a delicious dinner together.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Scotland and other travel painting series.

***

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

Venice - Feb. 2020

Greece - May 2020

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New "Painted Harbor" Palette Knife Painting from Portree, Scotland by Niki Gulley

"Painted Harbor" ©2019 Niki Gulley

9" x 12” textured oil painting

Scotland Art Trek – Days 3 and 4: Isle of Skye - Portree
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Following our two days in Edinburgh, we drove to the Isle of Skye for our next stop on our Scotland Art Trek. Making home base in the picturesque town of Portree, we checked in that night, grabbed a delicious dinner and crashed so that we could get an early start the next day. We spent that morning exploring the unique, other-worldly, lush area known as Fairy Glen. Returning to Portree for lunch, the weather cleared just in time for us to start painting and photographing. We set up our easels at this postcard-perfect overlook of the colorful painted harbor below. Meanwhile the photographers visited Old Man of Storr to hike up to the amazing overlook and capture Isle of Skye's unique beauty. That evening we reconnected for an amazing dinner and a perfect end to the day.

Part of our group at the Fairy Glen.

Photographers on top of Old Man of Storr.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Scotland and other travel painting series.

***

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

Venice - Feb. 2020

Greece - May 2020

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

"Liquid Rush II" Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

"Liquid Rush II" ©2019 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 9" x 12” textured oil painting

Just Sold! For our next Iceland adventure, you guessed it - we visited another waterfall! Today the breeze was picking up again, so we aimed the car towards the falls and I painted from the front seat while the wind rocked our car and Scott to sleep. Meanwhile, I set out to capture the gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Using diagonal strokes again to capture the energy and strength of the cascades, I also wanted to show the mountains they were tumbling over and a sliver of the river in the distance as the water flowed onward. Dramatic clouds drift by, adding to the rhythm and emotion of this special place.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

***

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

Venice - Feb. 2020

Greece - May 2020

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New "Edinburgh Castle" Palette Knife Painting from Edinburgh, Scotland by Niki Gulley

"Edinburgh Castle" ©2019 Niki Gulley

12" x 9” textured oil painting

Scotland Art Trek – Second Day: Edinburgh
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the next day of our plein air painting and photography trip to Scotland, we spent a second day in Edinburgh, exploring the scenery some more. I took the painters further down the Princess Gardens so that we could get a good view of Edinburgh Castle perched high above town. Each student captured the looming structure in a slightly different, unique, beautiful way. Meanwhile the photographers covered a lot of ground, capturing Holyrood Palace, Calton Hill and the Miracle Mile. That afternoon we gave everyone free time to explore on their own. Some visited the castle, some shopped and some photographed some more. After dinner, the Military Tattoo was going on at the castle so many of our group got the once in a lifetime chance to take in that experience, too!

Painting Edinburgh Castle.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Scotland and other travel painting series.

***

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

Venice - Feb. 2020

Greece - May 2020

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New "Princess Gardens" Palette Knife Painting from Edinburgh, Scotland by Niki Gulley

"Princess Gardens" ©2019 Niki Gulley

12" x 9” textured oil painting

Scotland Art Trek – First Day: Edinburgh
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the first day of our plein air painting and photography trip to Scotland, we began our adventure in the Medieval capitol city of Edinburgh. Filled with energy, fascinating architecture and history, we were all struck by its uniqueness and beauty. While the photographers shot and explored the city, we set up our easels close to our hotel to paint the lovely Princess Gardens that run through the center of the city. I set out to capture the lush hydrangeas lining this intricate stairway with just a glimpse of the ferris wheel in the background while some of my students did the same and others set out to recreate the interesting architectural details of the buildings. That evening we all gathered for a delicious Michelin restaurant dinner and compared our stories from the day. With sunny skies and great company, our first day in Scotland turned out to be a great start to the trip!

Part of our Art Trek group painting in Edinburgh.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Scotland and other travel painting series.

***

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

Venice - Feb. 2020

Greece - May 2020

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

"Varenna View" Lake Como Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Varenna View" ©2019 Niki Gulley 

SOLD • 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

Just Sold! 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!

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

Venice - Feb. 2020

Greece - May 2020

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

"Texas Trails" Bluebonnet Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Texas Trails" ©2019 Niki Gulley

16" x 20" textured oil painting

I painted "Texas Trails" this spring while visiting Austin and the surrounding area. This might have been one of the best years for the bluebonnets and wildflowers. The explosion of color along roadsides was incredible! This morning started out slightly overcast, and the sun kept peeking in and out of the clouds, creating a soft glow to everything it touched. I wanted to capture that magical light illuminating your journey on this Texas walking trail lined by bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush. I hope you, too, can feel the excitement of springtime with the wildflowers abloom in the Texas Hill Country!

For more information on this painting, please contact my gallery, the Good Art Company, in Fredericksburg, TX at goodartcompany.com/gacart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=25&sort=20a&page=1&z.

For details on my other Texas paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

New "Blanket of Crimson" Tuscany Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Blanket of Crimson" ©2019 Niki Gulley

30" x 40” textured oil painting

I absolutely love it when I come across a whole field of wildflowers – there is something about the transformation of a single dainty flower into a dense explosion of color that inspires awe and delights your senses. So when my husband and I came across this gorgeous ruby blanket in Tuscany we had to stop and capture the moment. I liked how the rows of poppies and rolling hills created a gentle harmony leading you to the quintessential stone farmhouse in the distance. I hope you, too, can feel the joy of a perfect spring day in Tuscany!

For more information on this painting, please contact my gallery, the Good Art Company, in Fredericksburg, TX at goodartcompany.com/gacart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=25&sort=20a&page=1&z.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my wildflower and poppy field oil paintings.

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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!

Greece - May 2020

Iceland  - Aug. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek  - Oct. 2020

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

New "Lone Star Blooms" Bluebonnet Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

“Lone Star Blooms" ©2019 Niki Gulley

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

In this painting, I wanted to capture the rhythm, color, and density of our bluebonnets and vibrant wildflowers flowing along the grassy rises and falls of our berms in the Texas Hill Country. Making sure not to over blend my thick strokes so that you could see the marks and feel the energy found in nature. Repeating patterns and waves of color create a harmony within the painting, while rendering the blooms slightly abstract plays with taking a traditional subject matter and showing it in a contemporary way.

For more information on Lone Star Blooms, please contact my gallery, the Good Art Company, in Fredericksburg, TX at goodartcompany.com/gacart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=25&sort=20a&page=1&z.

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For more details on my other Texas paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

"Field of Dreams" Palette Knife Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Field of Dreams" ©2019 Niki Gulley

Three 48" x 36" canvases to form a 48" x 90" triptych
textured oil painting on wrap around canvas

Field of Dreams is inspired from the beautiful sunflower fields we visited in Provence, France. The flowers seemed to stretch forever and the color explosion was out of this world! Back in my studio, I worked from a combination of photos, on-site sketches and memories. Painting the sunflowers full-sized in the foreground helps to bring them to life and hopefully transport you to this happy location. Including surprising pops of vivid reds and purples keeps your eye moving throughout the scene, seeing new things each time you look at it, and adds to the joyful feeling.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

niki@nikigulley.com

"Memories of Sunshine II" Palette Knife Sunflower Painting by Niki Gulley

"Memories of Sunshine II" ©2019 Niki Gulley

30" x 40" textured painting on wrap around canvas

"Memories of Sunshine" was inspired by our trip to Provence, France last 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 quaint stone farmhouse in the distance, and a beautiful summer day with a few peaceful 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.

If you're near Wichita, KS this weekend, please stop by my exhibit at Autumn and Art at Bradley Fair Parkway.

Autumn and Art

Fri. Sept. 13 - 6-9 pm

Sat. Sept. 14 - 10am - 7pm

Sun. Sept. 15 - 10am - 7pm

Bradley Fair Parkway • Wichita, KS

autumnandart.com/index.php

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For more details on my textured floral paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

New "Sunny Celebration" Sunflower Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

"Sunny Celebration" ©2019 Niki Gulley

30" x 48" textured oil painting

Sunny Celebration is inspired from the beautiful sunflower fields we visited in Provence, France. The flowers seemed to stretch forever and the color explosion was out of this world! Back in my studio, I worked from a combination of photos, on-site sketches and memories. Painting the sunflowers full-sized in the foreground helps to bring them to life and hopefully transport you to this happy location. Including cheerful poppies in vivid reds and surprising pops of color keeps your eye moving throughout the scene, seeing new things each time you look at it, and adds to the joyful feeling.

If you're near Wichita, KS this weekend, please stop by my exhibit at Autumn and Art at Bradley Fair Parkway.

Autumn and Art

Fri. Sept. 13 - 6-9 pm

Sat. Sept. 14 - 10am - 7pm

Sun. Sept. 15 - 10am - 7pm

Bradley Fair Parkway • Wichita, KS

autumnandart.com/index.php

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For more details on my textured floral paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

New "Pops of Sunshine" Sunflower Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

"Pops of Sunshine" ©2019 Niki Gulley

16" x 20" textured oil painting

Painted on location, seeing this garden of faces smiling towards the sun, just made me feel happy and I hoped you could experience that joy, too. Created with palette knife and thick oil paint, I wanted “Pops of Sunshine” to leap off the canvas and come to life. Using lots of short diagonal strokes to create movement and add to the upbeat feeling, golden blossoms rise from the tangle of leaves and wildflowers below. Working with complimentary colors also adds to the excitement and energy of the moment.

If you're near Wichita, KS this weekend, please stop by my exhibit at Autumn and Art at Bradley Fair Parkway.

Autumn and Art

Fri. Sept. 13 - 6-9 pm

Sat. Sept. 14 - 10am - 7pm

Sun. Sept. 15 - 10am - 7pm

Bradley Fair Parkway • Wichita, KS

autumnandart.com/index.php

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For more details on my textured floral paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

New "Relaxation Awaits" by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Relaxation Awaits" • 16" x 20" textured oil painting 

SOLD • ©2018 Niki Gulley

Just Sold! On the last day of our New England Fall Foliage Art Trek that my husband, Scott Williams, and I taught, we painters stayed right at our b and b to capture the beautiful views of fall foliage in all its splendor. I decided to paint this view out back, since I'd been admiring it every day of the trip. It was a gorgeous morning with vibrant fall colors frosting the foliage. This set of Adirondack chairs was so inviting, just welcoming you to sit, relax and enjoy the view. Long side lighting created dramatic shadows and a glow to the grasses. I hope you can escape and rejuvenate with me!

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

Scotland - Aug. 2019

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2019

Iceland - 2020

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

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

"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.

New Palette Knife Painting of Iceland's Waterfalls by Niki Gulley

Seljalandsfoss, Iceland ©2019 Niki Gulley

9" x 12” textured oil painting

For our next Iceland adventure, you guessed it - we visited another waterfall! This one is so magical and unique since you can walk behind the falls and peer out the cave as the water rushes from above crashing into the reservoir below. I set out to capture the gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Trying to find a dry enough place to paint where the mist wouldn't keep erasing my drawing was a challenge, but on my third try, I finally found a good spot! Trying to time it so that I could capture the sun as it was setting in the distance just added to the enchanting feel of this location. I hope you, too, can feel these cascades power and beauty.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. My husband, Scott Williams, and I will be leading a painting and photography workshop to Iceland next August, and this waterfall will be one of our amazing stops. Details will be on our website shortly, and we anticipate that this trip will sell out quickly, so let us know if you're interested.

Venice - Feb. 2020

Greece - May 2020

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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