New "Mountains of Color II" Desert Sunflowers by Niki Gulley

        

         

"Mountains of Color II" ©2021 Niki Gulley

20" x 10" textured oil painting on canvas

On a recent trip to New Mexico, we headed towards Ghost Ranch and came across these wild sunflowers blooming alongside the road. Spreading their sunshine and reaching tall towards the light, their smiling faces filled me with cheer and I just had to paint them. Set beneath a cumulus filled sky and the mountainous backdrop, I arranged this composition vertically to add to the uplifting feeling that the sunflowers elicited.

If you are in the area, please stop by and visit the gallery to see more of my palette knife western landscape paintings.

Marigold Arts Gallery

424 Canyon Rd.

Santa Fe, NM

marigoldarts.com

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my birch and aspen tree oil paintings.

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

"Mountains of Color" Palette Knife New Mexico Cacti Painting by Niki Gulley

       

         

"Mountains of Color" ©2021 Niki Gulley

20" x 10" textured oil painting on canvas

We came across these blossoming cane cholla near Echo Canyon in New Mexico and I was so inspired by their beauty. What a gift from mother nature – not only were the cacti surviving but thriving in the desert climate and yielding such intensely colored fuchsia blooms. Set beneath the craggy mountains and turquoise blue sky, I hope these blossoms lift your spirits and bring the joy of New Mexico's beauty into your home.

If you are in the area, please stop by and visit the gallery to see more of my palette knife western landscape paintings.

Marigold Arts Gallery

424 Canyon Rd.

Santa Fe, NM

marigoldarts.com

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my birch and aspen tree oil paintings.

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

Painting Portugal with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

        

 ©2021 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 5" x 7" textured oil painting

Portugal Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 7 - Cascais

On the final day of our Art Trek in Portugal that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led, we gave everyone the day to explore and visit whatever sights they chose. Just a short stroll from our accommodation, some visited the crashing oceans waves at Boca do Inferno while others toured the picturesque lighthouse standing watch. Others chose to explore the defensive walls of a 15th century fort guarding the harbor and a couple of other chose to just chill out at the beach and pool. 

Being a water lover, I chose to spend as much of the day as I could near the ocean. Above you can find my painting of the coastline. I wanted this painting to be about the power of the ocean to lift your spirits. 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!

(Lighthouse and palaces in Cascais • Photo by Scott Williams)

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

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

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, including one to Alsace, France next August or on our Foodie Trek to Tuscany, please let us know. 

Alsace, France - Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2022 (wait list only) / Oct. 2023

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

 NikiGulley.com

Niki Gulley and Scott Williams Lead Art Treks in Portugal

       

"Late Harvest" ©2019 Niki Gulley 

SOLD • 9" x 12" textured oil painting

Portugal Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6 - Jeronimos Monestary

After an action filled day in Lisbon, we took a slower pace the next day by visiting Cascais' bustling Farmers' Market and later that day, onto one of Lisbon’s the most visited sights, Jeronimos Monestary. Its architecture is unlike any other church, demonstrating the wealth in Portugal’s age of exploration. 

Upon returning to Cascais, we just had to go for one more Port tasting, and fortunately the grapes did not disappoint! That evening, we dined on one of our best meals and relived the fun events of the trip.

(Picture at top you can see my painting from the Douro Valley where so may of Portugal's delicious wines and ports originate. The grapevines had turned gorgeous reds, golds and oranges and the wineries were perched on such high hills overlooking the river that I wanted to capture that commanding view. Hugging the various elevations, grape leaves rise from neatly planted rows, inviting you to stop in and try one of their delicious ports.

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

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

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, including one to Alsace, France next August or on our Foodie Trek to Tuscany, please let us know. 

Alsace, France - Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2022 (wait list only) / Oct. 2023

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

 NikiGulley.com

Painting Lisbon with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

      

Trolley ©2021 Niki Gulley

6" x 8" textured oil painting on panel

Portugal Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 5 - Lisbon

Rounding out our adventure, we visited the bustling city of Lisbon. Most of our group visited the Carmo Convent, know as the church without a ceiling, and toured the city's sights. Meanwhile, I set out to capture the colorful trolley and architecture which makes Lisbon so unique.  I love the trolleys that run through Lisbon and thought this would be such a fun departure to paint. Of course, I also thought this one was always parked in one place (we'd never seen in move in the past) and I didn't realize that it would not only be traveling every 10 minutes, but would also switch cars (when I started the painting it was the yellow car you see above)! Add to that the crowd that gathered behind me, and you get the joys and challenges of plein-air painting.

That afternoon, we attended a wine and port tasting with the most delicious bottles!

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

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

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, including one to Alsace, France next August or on our Foodie Trek to Tuscany, please let us know. 

Alsace, France - Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2022 (wait list only) / Oct. 2023

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

 NikiGulley.com

Portugal's Gorgeous Coastline Painted by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

     

  

"Atlantic Coastline II" ©2020 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 12" x 9" textured oil painting on canvas panel

Portugal Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 4 - Evening Boat Ride

After returning from Obidos, we treated ourselves to a relaxing boat cruise along Cascais' rocky shoreline and surrounding cities. Mother nature didn't disappoint and we were able to enjoy a gorgeous sunset as we sipped on some local Portuguese wines!

Above you'll see my interpretation of the coastline. I wanted this painting to be about the power of the ocean to lift your spirits. I also wanted to capture the gorgeous rock formations and the beautiful colors in the ocean. Whenever I visit the coastline I always feel rejuvenated, and I hope I’ve translated that onto the canvas for you to experience it, too.

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

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

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, including one to Alsace, France next August or on our Foodie Trek to Tuscany, please let us know. 

Alsace, France - Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2022 (wait list only) / Oct. 2023

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

 NikiGulley.com

Painting in Portugal with Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

     

Obidos ©2021 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 9" x 12" textured oil painting on panel

Portugal Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 4 - Obidos

For a change of pace, the next day we took a side trip to the quaint and colorful town of Obidos. This charming Portuguese walled town with narrow cobbled streets, traditional painted houses and medieval castle, is a perfect destination to immerse yourself in Portugal’s history. The white washed houses with colorful blue and yellow accents screamed that they needed an artist to try and capture their beauty and uniqueness. Then add the gorgeous, prolific bougainvillea blooming out of the cracks in the ground and you had the makings for a perfect painting!

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

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

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, including one to Alsace, France next August or on our Foodie Trek to Tuscany, please let us know. 

Alsace, France - Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2022 (wait list only) / Oct. 2023

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

 NikiGulley.com

Visiting Peña Palace with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams Art Treks

    

 Peña Palace ©2021 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 8" x 6" textured oil painting on panel

Portugal Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 3 - Sintra: Peña Palace

Since Sintra is filled with so many beautiful palaces and castles, one day is not enough time to absorb it all, so we returned the next day to continue exploring everything it has to offer. First stop was its star attraction, Peña Palace, which dazzles with bright colors and fairytale design. While our group explored the interior and its surroundings, I set up my easel to paint its dramatic, red and yellow facade.

Next up on our itinerary we visited our last Sintra attraction, the National Palace, and then headed back to Cascais for a little downtime at our hotel pool and another delicious dinner. 

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

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

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, including one to Alsace, France next August or on our Foodie Trek to Tuscany, please let us know. 

Alsace, France - Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2022 (wait list only) / Oct. 2023

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

 NikiGulley.com

Art Treks Paints and Photographs Sintra, Portugal

    

 Monseratte ©2021 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 6" x 8" textured oil painting on panel

Portugal Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2 - Afternoon Location - Sintra: Monseratte

That afternoon we headed to another amazing palace, Monserrate.  It is a visually striking blend of Arabic, gothic and Indian influences, and once again is surrounded by beautiful, lush, exotic vegetation. While our photographers and tourists explored the palace's interior, I set up outside to capture its distinct architecture.

After finishing our tour in Sintra, we headed back to Cascais for a little downtime and an amazing dinner. The perfect ending to an adventure filled day!

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

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

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, including one to Alsace, France next August or on our Foodie Trek to Tuscany, please let us know. 

Alsace, France - Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2022 (wait list only) / Oct. 2023

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

 NikiGulley.com

Painting Castles in Portugal with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

    

 La Quinta de Regaleira ©2021 Niki Gulley

6" x 8" textured oil painting on panel

Portugal Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2 - Sintra: La Quinta de Regaleira

On our first full day of our Portugal Art Trek, we hit the ground running by visiting the fairy tale town of Sintra filled with exotic gardens, palaces and castles. First stop was La Quinta de Regaleira, decorated in an ornate facade and surrounded by enchanting gardens filled with gothic turrets, carved gargoyles and hidden tunnels. I chose this view of the palace nestled into the lush forest around it, perched on a hill and soaring towards the heavens above. It is a truly magical setting! 

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

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

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, including one to Alsace, France next August or on our Foodie Trek to Tuscany, please let us know. 

Alsace, France - Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2022 (wait list only) / Oct. 2023

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

 NikiGulley.com

Portugal Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

   

"Atlantic Coastline" ©2021 Niki Gulley

9" x 12" textured oil painting

Portugal Art Trek: 

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1 - Cascais

Once we finished researching our 2022 Art Trek to Alsace, France, we flew to Portugal to begin leading this summer's Art Trek to our intrepid group. Our first afternoon was rather leisurely since most of our group was arriving from the United States and shaking off their jet lag. So once everyone checked into our oceanside hotel and took a short nap, we set out on a walking tour of our home base town, Cascais. The Atlantic Ocean hugs its coastline, and there is a great walking trail all along the city. Above, you can see how I wanted to capture the gorgeous rock formations and the beautiful colors in the ocean. 

After finishing taking in the beautiful scenery along the water, we wandered the maze of tiled streets throughout town, soaking in the architecture and energy, and finished the night with a delicious dinner of Portuguese tapas. A great way to start the trip!

View from our hotel

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

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

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks, including one to Alsace, France next August or on our Foodie Trek to Tuscany, please let us know. 

Alsace, France - Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Oct. 2022

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

 NikiGulley.com