New "Floating Expressions" Series Aspen Tree Paintings by Niki Gulley

"Floating Expressions II" ©2019 Niki Gulley

24" x 24" textured mixed media painting on wrap around canvas, framed in a silver floater frame

In this painting series, I wanted the focus to be on texture. Usually I paint with a lot of color, but I opted to use a limited palette on these pieces to really concentrate on the peeling bark of the aspen trees. Bordering on the edge of abstraction and the cusp of realism, Floating Expressions is loaded with layers and layers of paint, built up with thin glazes and then palette knife to create extreme dimension. Choosing to come in extremely close on the subject, I played around with various strokes and paint thicknesses to add depth and energy. At the end, I had to throw in a few of my signature strokes of color – a splash of gold, some touches of purple, and just a dab of fire-engine red for added excitement and unexpected color twists. 

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

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

New "Floating Expressions" Series Aspen Tree Paintings by Niki Gulley

"Floating Expressions" ©2019 Niki Gulley

24" x 24" textured mixed media painting on wrap around canvas, framed in a silver floater frame

In this painting series, I wanted the focus to be on texture. Usually I paint with a lot of color, but I opted to use a limited palette on these pieces to really concentrate on the peeling bark of the aspen trees. Bordering on the edge of abstraction and the cusp of realism, Floating Expressions is loaded with layers and layers of paint, built up with thin glazes and then palette knife to create extreme dimension. Choosing to come in extremely close on the subject, I played around with various strokes and paint thicknesses to add depth and energy. At the end, I had to throw in a few of my signature strokes of color – a splash of gold, some touches of purple, and just a dab of fire-engine red for added excitement and unexpected color twists. 

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

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

Painting from Rovinj, Croatia by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Rovinj" Croatia ©2018 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 5" x 7" oil painting

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my travel palette knife paintings.

***

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!

Iceland - Aug. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New Lupine Palette Knife Painting from Iceland by Niki Gulley

"Lupine Blooms" ©2019 Niki Gulley

5" x 7” textured oil painting

On our way back to Reykavik at the end of our Iceland journey, I had one small canvas left when we came across this beautiful patch of lupine blooming in front of this dramatic mountain. I’d really wanted to see a massive field of the blue buds while we were there, but whenever we would find the plants, the flowers had already bloomed and didn’t have much color left. So Scott pulled over long enough for me to capture these beauties, a perfect way to end the trip. Created with palette knife and oil paint, this piece is filled with joy, color and texture.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New Waterfall Palette Knife Painting from Iceland by Niki Gulley

"Falling Water V" ©2019 Niki Gulley

9" x 12” textured oil painting

Across from the unique Kirkjufell mountain is the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Mult-tiered water flows and cascades from one layer to the next into the pool below, creating a river that eventually flows out to sea. Since it was a rather grey evening, I decided to play with the colors to create a more uplifting, fantastical scene. Using juicy, thick, diagonal strokes creates energy and movement adding to the sense of rushing water. Created with palette knife and oil paint, this piece is loaded with color, texture and joy.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

"Falling Water VI" Palette Knife Painting of Iceland by Niki Gulley

"Falling Water VI" ©2019 Niki Gulley

20" x 10” textured oil painting

Next up on our Iceland trek, was you guessed it – another waterfall! We had to fit in at least one more before heading back to the concrete jungle of Dallas. These falls were really special, cascading almost perfectly vertical from the tallest mountain around. From high above, the rushing water cuts through rock and lush grasses as it winds its way down from the heavens above to the rushing rapids below. To capture the water's enormous length and height, I chose a vertical composition. Working with energetic diagonal strokes and thick paint, I hope you can feel the rush of the rapids and the surge of energy being surrounded by nature.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New Textured Waterfall Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Upper Falls" ©2019 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 7" x 5” textured oil painting

Just Sold! My husband and I both LOVE waterfalls, and we try to visit them whenever we can find them on our adventures. This beautiful cascade turned out to be right in my husband's backyard where he grew up. We were in New York visiting his hometown, and having grown up in a city, I couldn't believe this gorgeous spectacle was right outside his door! Not far from Niagara falls, this massive water flow crashed and glided along the intricate rock formations rushing into the river far below. The sound of water rushing was so energetic and peaceful at the same time, and I wanted to capture that invigorating feeling in my painting. Setting up my easel at its base, I set out to recreate the energy and flow of the cascades while showing some of the lush vegetation surrounding them. Creating strokes in diagonal sweeping shapes to enhance that feeling of movement and rhythm, I hope you, too, can hear the flowing water's music and feel the gentle spray from its mist.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my textured palette knife waterfall paintings.

New "Rural View IV" Palette Knife Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Rural View IV" ©2019 Niki Gulley

 9" x 12” textured oil painting

Continuing our journey along the west coast of Iceland, I was taken by their simplistic architecture, often topped with bright red roofs to add a pop of color to the natural landscape. In the next several paintings, you’ll see I chose a different house or barn each day and set out to capture its shape, the colors and light hitting the structure, and the picturesque, idyllic, quiet scenery surrounding the building in all directions. Here is my last one, where we got up to capture sunrise. The setting had such a beautiful glow to it that I wanted to recreate that warmth in the foreground and sky contrasted against the cool distant mountains. Created with palette knife and oil paint, this piece is full of surprising pops of color, texture, energy and joy.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

Monterosso Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

Monterosso ©2018 Niki Gulley 

SOLD • 5" x 7" oil painting

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

Day 3: Monterosso and Cornelia

Just Sold! After a busy day in Riomaggiore the day before, our painters stayed closer to home and painted this beautiful harbor in 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 our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

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.

New Mini Barn Painting from Iceland by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

"Rural View III" ©2019 Niki Gulley

5" x 7” textured oil painting

Continuing our journey along the west coast of Iceland, I was taken by their simplistic architecture, often topped with bright red roofs to add a pop of color to the natural landscape. In the next several paintings, you’ll see I chose a different house or barn each day and set out to capture its shape, the colors and light hitting the structure, and the picturesque, idyllic, quiet scenery surrounding the building in all directions. Here is my next one, another small 5” x 7” study where I came in close so you get a sense of scale for the size of the barn and the mountain behind it. My main focus for this painting was contrasting simplistic objects, repeating shapes and direction, texture and movement in my strokes.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New "Rural View II" Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

"Rural View II" ©2019 Niki Gulley

9" x 12” textured oil painting

Continuing our journey along the west coast of Iceland, I was taken by their simplistic architecture, often topped with bright red roofs to add a pop of color to the natural landscape. In the next several paintings, you’ll see I chose a different house or barn each day and set out to capture its shape, the colors and light hitting the structure, and the picturesque, idyllic, quiet scenery surrounding the building in all directions. Here is my second painting, where I was drawn to the complimentary color palette of orange/gold grasses contrasted against a beautiful blue sky reflecting into the pond behind the barn. Playing off those colors in the distant mountains, I wanted this piece to be full of texture, joy and energy.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New Palette Knife Barn Painting from Iceland by Niki Gulley

"Rural View" ©2019 Niki Gulley

5" x 7” textured oil painting

Continuing our journey along the west coast of Iceland, I was taken by their simplistic architecture, often topped with bright red roofs to add a pop of color to the natural landscape. In the next several paintings, you’ll see I chose a different house or barn each day and set out to capture its shape, the colors and light hitting the structure, and the picturesque, idyllic, quiet scenery surrounding the building in all directions. Here is my first one, a small 5” x 7” study where the shape of the mountains largely resembles the design of the barn, set amidst glowing grasses without another home in sight.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

Visiting Vernazza, Italy with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

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

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

Day3 - Vernazza

Just sold! 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.

***

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!

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.

New "Golden Light" Palette Knife Painting from Iceland by Niki Gulley

"Golden Light," Kirkjufell ©2019 Niki Gulley

9" x 12” textured oil painting

The next day we visited Kirkjufell, the cone shaped “church” mountain and its waterfall on the north side of the peninsula, and the most photographed spot in Iceland. Truly unique in its appearance, this lush conical mass rises from the earth, towering over the flat terrain around it. Painted in late afternoon light so that the grasses and sky were glowing, I wanted to capture not only the unique, bizarreness of this “Church Mountain,” but also the peaceful river carving its way in front of it reaching out to the sea. Choosing a multi-colored palette adds to the joy and energy of this magical spot.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

Painting the Black Church in Iceland by Niki Gulley

"The Black Church," Iceland ©2019 Niki Gulley

5" x 7” textured oil painting

After disappointing weather in the north, we continued our adventure around the country to the west, finishing our trip on the Snaefellnes Peninsula. My husband loves architecture so the first stop on our itinerary was to visit the famous Black Church. Being the only church made of black construction material on the island, its distinctive appearance stands out rising out of a relatively large, flat plateau. I wanted to capture not only its color and shape, but the dramatic clouds surrounding it. Working with palette knife and thick oil paint, this little piece is loaded with texture, color and movement.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New "Woodland Stroll" Birch Tree Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

"Woodland Stroll" ©2019 Niki Gulley

10" x 20” textured oil painting

Today we continued our counterclockwise adventure around Iceland to arrive in the north, near the massive, impressive Godafoss waterfall. Unfortunately, our weather turned for the worse, and it was way too wet to paint the falls. However, just over the mountain, 20 minutes away at our b and b, the skies were fairly clear with even occasional glimpses of sunshine. I loved these birch trees all over their property, leading you down to the gorgeous view of the mountains in the distance. Sprinkled with summer wildflowers, I set out to capture the light casting long shadows from the trunks and causing the grasses to glow in the foreground, leading to a feeling of joy and serenity in this beautiful spot.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

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

Como Beauty ©2018 Niki Gulley • 8" x 10" Textured oil painting • SOLD 

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!

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.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

New "Ice Drift" Palette Knife Painting of Iceland's Iceburgs by Niki Gulley

"Ice Drift" ©2019 Niki Gulley

9" x 12” textured oil painting

After enjoying the gentle beauty in Southern Iceland, we worked our way around the country counterclockwise and visited the frozen lagoons and icebergs in the east next. Uniquely shaped large ice chunks float along gorgeous turquoise waters as they drift out to sea. Each one has a distinct shape and color that make them fascinating to watch. This afternoon, I set out to capture this rather interesting square ice piece with aqua blue diagonal ridges running through it. I pulled in fairly tightly so you could focus on its design and then I painted in a glimpse of the mountain behind it to give you a sense of scale. Meanwhile, the water below becomes slightly blurry as the ice chunks slowly drift by and we are caught up in the mesmerizing moment.

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.

"Falling Water III" Palette Knife Painting of Iceland by Niki Gulley

"Falling Water III" ©2019 Niki Gulley

12" x 9” textured oil painting

Next up on our Iceland itinerary was visiting another waterfall. My husband and I love waterfalls, and it feels like Iceland has one even better than the next around every bend! So, needless to say we were pretty happy painting and photographing all of the falls the country had to offer. This cascade that we visited today is smaller in stature but no less impressive. It tumbles down over the rocky mountain and empties into a river carving its way through the lush, craggy valley below. I wanted to capture not only the falls, but the water’s path as it flows and snakes its way around the towering rock formations. Other than the midges that would swarm when the sun came out, it was a perfect afternoon!

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!

Iceland - Aug. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

New "Black Beach Sunrise" Palette Knife Painting of Iceland by Niki Gulley

"Black Beach Sunrise" ©2019 Niki Gulley

5" x 7” textured oil painting

My husband and I visited Iceland this August and fell in love with its beauty. On this morning, we got up early to capture sunrise in the south along the Black Beach. The rock formations and caves that formed next to the water are fascinating. Giant basalt columns stacked one right after the other dominate the shoreline. I wanted to capture their texture and the peaceful glow as the morning sun rose above the horizon in this little painting.

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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

Painting and Photographing in Oia, Greece with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Greece Art Trek:  Oia, Santorini

SOLD • 9" x 12" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

Just Sold! With so much beautiful scenery, it was hard to decide on a subject, but a couple of the painters chose this iconic view of the windmills and bleached architecture contrasted against the cobalt blue skies and waters below. Meanwhile the photographers climbed every nook and cranny in town in search for the perfect shot, and others chose to shop or relax with a snack, soaking in the gorgeous view over the caldera.

One of my student's easels with their completed painting overlooking Oia in the background.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her travel palette knife paintings.

***

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

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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

"Eilean Donan" Scottish Castle Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

"Eilean Donan" • 5" x 7” textured oil painting

Scotland Art Trek – Days 7: Eilean Donan Castle and the Highlands
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Scotland Painting and Photography Workshop, we made several stops on our way back to Edinburgh, taking in the beautiful sites and scenery. First, we explored the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eileen Donan, which has also been the set for many major movies. While several of our group enjoyed the tour of the interior, I decided to stay and paint its unique facade and setting out on its own island. Next, we stopped to photograph the massive peaks and valleys in the Scottish Highlands. We ended our day back in Edinburgh, so everyone could catch their flights out the next morning. What a wonderful week and group of Art Trekkers!!! We had an amazing trip.

Painting Eilean Donan Castle.

Photographers atop Calton Hill in Edinburgh.

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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!

Iceland - Sept. 2020

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2020

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