Thursday, June 30, 2022

"Standing Witness" Palette Knife Aspen Painting by Niki Gulley

  

"Standing Witness"©2022 Niki Gulley
16" x 20" textured oil painting

Recently, we visited Santa Fe and to escape the heat we ventured up the Santo de Cristo mountains to cool down among the beautiful, refreshing aspen trees. I was attracted to this grove in particular with their beautiful textured white bark and their proximity and angles to each other. I decided to include the sentinels behind, also, to give you a sense of being surrounded by the peaceful forest. Dappled light casts diagonal shadows and causes the grasses to dance and sparkle. I hope you can feel the serenity of this rejuvenating place.

Close up texture detail: 

If interested in purchasing and for more details on "Standing Witness," please follow nikigulley.com/standing-witness/.


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.



https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/


Wednesday, June 29, 2022

"If a tree Falls" Textured Oil Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley


"Along the Shoreline II" ©2022 Niki Gulley
24" x 18" Textured oil painting


I always love going to Turtle Creek, the natural oasis the city has created in the middle of Dallas. This painting was inspired from a time when you could actually climb down the rocks and enjoy the beautiful stream from below, being completely isolated from city noise and housing. I was drawn to these large abstract sweeping patterns of the water and land meeting with just a trickle of light illuminating the foliage in the distance and one lone trunk that has fallen.

If you'd like to add "If a Tree Falls" to your art collection, please check out nikigulley.com/if-a-tree-falls/.

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


https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/


Tuesday, June 28, 2022

"Morning Glow" oil painting by Contemporary Impressionist Artist Niki Gulley

 

"Morning Glow, White Rock Lake" ©2022 Niki Gulley
oil on canvas • 20" x 16"

On a peaceful spring morning, I set up my easel at White Rock Lake to capture the sun rising behind this beautiful, tangled Cottonwood tree. I liked how the warm light showed off the tree's curves and textured bark, and I chose this vertical composition to show off its size and strength. In the distance, the sun glistens along the water's surface and I hope this scene lifts your spirits for what the day has to bring.

For more information and framing options, check out nikigulley.com/morning-glow/.

***

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

E-mail - Niki Gulley

Monday, June 27, 2022

"Weathered Cisterns" Palette Knife Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Weathered Cisterns" ©2022 Niki Gulley
18" x 12" textured oil painting • Grapevine, TX 

I painted these water tanks and grain mill in the distance recently in Grapevine, TX on a bright, crisp winter morning. I loved the colorful rust contrasting against the blue-grays of the metal containers, and I worked with thick layers of oil paint and my palette knife to capture that texture. The whole scene had an industrial feel to it, so I chose to include the telephone pole and wires in the foreground to set that feel and also lead you into the scene. Adding a touch of whimsy to an otherwise hardened scene, I like the play of recent man made touches juxtaposed against 19th and 20th century modern technology.

To purchase "Weathered Cisterns," go to nikigulley.com/weathered-cisterns/.

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

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

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

Friday, June 24, 2022

Visiting Siena, Italy - Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

"Tunnel of Light," Siena, Italy
SOLD • 12" x 9" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Day 3:  TUSCANY ART TREK - Siena
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Just Sold! On the third day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we visited the Medieval hill town of Siena, with its incredible marble Duomo, great people-watching plaza, and interesting alleyways radiating out from the campo with something new to discover around every turn. While some of our group shopped, some photographed and others relaxed on the square, I set up in one of the quiet cobble streets to capture the textures of these ancient walls and mood of this unique city. For dinner that night, we treated ourselves to a delicious home-made Italian meal of pastas, truffles, pecorino cheese and some amazing red wine!

A mid-afternoon gelato break!



If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.  

2022 Schedule
Alsace 
Art Trek - Aug. 20-27
Tuscany 
Foodie Trek  - Oct. 8-15

2023 Schedule
Venice - Carnivalé 
Art Trek - Feb. 12-18
Provence
Art Trek - June 24- July 1
Tuscany
Foodie Trek - May 27 - June 3
New England
Art Trek - Oct. 10-15

***

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

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Palette Knife Oil Painting from Venice by Niki Gulley

 

 "Venetian Textures II" ©2022 Niki Gulley

16" x 12" textured oil on canvas panel 

I started this piece during our Plein Air / Photography Art Trek Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I lead in Venice, Italy. We had painted several other grand locations, but decided on day three to paint a more intimate vignette of the canals. Since the whole city is on water, I love how their "garage doors" are actually for their boats! In this painting, I wanted to focus on all of the wonderful architectural textures and age of the homes as seen in the peeling stucco, crumbling bricks and weathered wood. Luckily I had a steady stream of gondolas passing as I was painting so I could add one in to set the mood.

To purchase and for more details, go to nikigulley.com/venetian-textures/.

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

For more information on my Venice and other travel paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.


https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Painting the Vibrant Colors of San Miguel by Niki Gulley


"Afternoon in the Park" ©2022 Niki Gulley
12" x 16" textured oil painting

Recently collectors of mine invited us to stay with them at their beautiful home in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. I loved all of the gorgeous colors of the architecture and lush foliage blooming everywhere. Around almost every corner was a peaceful park inviting you to stroll through or just sit and enjoy the tranquility of the moment.

If interested in purchasing this painting, please check out nikigulley.com/afternoon-in-the-park/.

***
For more details on my other paintings from Mexico and recent travels, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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


https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

San Miguel's Colorful Architecture Painting by Niki Gulley

 

"Just Peachy"  ©2022 Niki Gulley
12" x 16" textured oil painting

Recently collectors of mine invited us to stay with them at their beautiful home in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. I loved all of the gorgeous colors the houses were painted and the tropical lush foliage blooming everywhere.  The bougainvillea was bursting with bountiful blooms in intense pinks inviting you to stop and admire its beauty. Before it was gone, I had to capture this dramatic morning sun that was causing this peach home to glow and the light to dance across the scene in contrast to the deep shadows.

If you'd like to find out more details or add "Just Peachy" to your art collection, visit nikigulley.com/just-peachy/.

***
For more details on my other paintings from Mexico and recent travels, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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


https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/


Monday, June 20, 2022

"Flowing into Spring" Palette Knife Painting by Dallas Artist Niki Gulley

 


"Flowing into Spring" ©2022 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 24" x 12" textured oil painting on wrap around canvas, framed in an espresso floater frame

Just Sold! I painted this scene from the Dallas Arboretum on location when the weather was beautiful and the spring buds were in full bloom. I love tulips being one of the first flowers to announce that winter has officially ended, so I focused on these colorful red and white striped ones in the foreground, which contrast so well against the complimentary green leaves and grasses. I also liked how their height leads you back into the distant flower beds and onto the Degolyer house in the background, so I chose this vertical panorama format to accentuate that feeling. Loaded with thick oil paint, texture and movement, I hope you can feel the joy that spring is in the air!

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.


https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/


Friday, June 17, 2022

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

        

         

"Mountains of Color" ©2022 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.

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.



https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

Thursday, June 16, 2022

"Ruby Road" Palette Knife Poppy Painting by Niki Gulley

 

"Ruby Road" ©2022 Niki Gulley
12" x 16” 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. Inspired by our travels to Italy, cypress trees rise out of the vast open landscape signaling that you have arrived in Tuscany! Perched on a hilltop with its long curving driveway, this villa is set against the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Rows of ruby blooms draw your eye back to the rolling hills and beautiful billowing clouds. Painted with palette knife and thick oil paint, this canvas is loaded with movement, color and dimension.

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



***


If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.  

2022 Schedule
Alsace 
Art Trek - Aug. 20-27
Tuscany 
Foodie Trek  - Oct. 8-15

2023 Schedule
Venice - Carnivalé 
Art Trek - Feb. 12-18
Provence
Art Trek - June 24- July 1
Tuscany
Foodie Trek - May 27 - June 3
New England
Art Trek - Oct. 10-15

***

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

"Tuscan Vista" Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

 

"Tuscan Vista" ©2022 Niki Gulley
12" x 16” textured oil painting

I painted "Tuscan Vista" from the villa we stay in when my husband and I are leading our Foodie Trek in Italy. The late afternoon light was so beautiful how it cast its golden glow on the landscape and stone farmhouses, and I had to capture it before it was gone. Uplifting poppies frame the foreground as the serpentine roads lead you up over the hills and into the distance. I hope you enjoy the escape to beautiful Tuscany, too, when you gaze at my painting!

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


***

If you're interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.  

2022 Schedule
Alsace 
Art Trek - Aug. 20-27
Tuscany 
Foodie Trek  - Oct. 8-15

2023 Schedule
Venice - Carnivalé 
Art Trek - Feb. 12-18
Provence
Art Trek - June 24- July 1
Tuscany
Foodie Trek - May 27 - June 3
New England
Art Trek - Oct. 10-15

***

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

"Rhapsody in Bloom II" Palette Knife Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Rhapsody in Bloom II" ©2022 Niki Gulley
20" x 20" textured oil painting

I painted these cheerful tulips from life in my backyard garden. With all of our rain this year, I had a bumper crop and wanted to capture the joy I felt seeing them signaling that winter was finally over and spring had begun! Created with palette knife and thick paint, this piece is bursting with color and texture. Blurring out the background, you can focus on each individual flower. Creating a circular composition within the square format creates a harmony and flow, while unblended diagonal marks add to the energy and happiness of the moment. I hope these tulips brighten your day and lift your spirits, too.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my tulip and contemporary floral paintings.

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

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

Monday, June 13, 2022

"Reaching New Heights" Textured Aspen Painting by Niki Gulley

      

“Reaching New Heights" ©2022 Niki Gulley
SOLD  • 48” x 36" textured mixed media painting 
on 1.5" wrap around canvas with the painting continuing around the edges

Just Sold! In this painting, I wanted you to you to experience the joy of looking up into the treetops – just like you did when you were a kid. Lying on the ground, not a care in the world, you gaze in wonderment as the clouds drift by. Choosing warm yellows, reds and greens and utilizing thick chunky staccato strokes add to that childlike whimsy and I hope you are transported back to a happy, carefree time and place.

*

For more information on my textured palette knife paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Or, please visit my website at  NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.


 https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/


Friday, June 10, 2022

"Whispers in Time" Aspen Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

 

 

“Whispers in Time” ©2022 Niki Gulley
30” x 30” textured oil painting

Colorado’s celebrated quaking aspen trees stand arrow straight in the valleys and 
up and down the hills. 
Slim white trunks sing out against the forest background and each leaf provides
a sparkling symphony of notes whispering through the mountains.
Flames of yellow leaves flicker against autumn’s burning reds 
and the deep, cool blue mountain streaked with late light.

This painting captures the breathtaking colors of
Colorado in the fall, the Aspens at their most beautiful, and the peaceful rustling murmur and musical sigh of the fluttering leaves.

****

If you'd like to see more of my work in person and you're in Columbus, OH this weekend, please stop by my booth at the Columbus Arts Festival:

Columbus Arts Festival
Columbus, OH
Downtown riverfront in the Scioto Mile
Booth #M545 on Main St.
Fri. June 10 • 11am – 9pm
Sat. June 11 • 10am – 9pm
Sun. June 12 • 10am – 5pm

****

To purchase "Whispers in Time," go to nikigulley.com/whispers-in-time/.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my textured Colorado paintings.

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

 https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/


Thursday, June 9, 2022

"Cacophony" Textured Autumn Aspen Painting Niki Gulley

       

“Cacophony" ©2022 Niki Gulley
30” x 30" textured mixed media painting 
on 1.5" wrap around canvas with the painting continuing around the edges

Enjoying the concert of aspen leaves rustling in the breeze and the beauty of fall ablaze with color, I felt invigorated as I began painting this aspen forest. The setting was so mesmerizing and rejuvenating that I wanted to communicate that joyful feeling of discovery. Filling the canvas with energetic staccato strokes and bold colors, in addition to gently arching the tree trunks reaching towards the sky, all add to that uplifting feeling of being immersed in nature's symphony. 

***

For more details and to purchase "Cacophony," visit nikigulley.com/cacophony/.

If you're  in Columbus this weekend, please stop by my exhibit at the Columbus Arts Festival:

Columbus Arts Festival
Columbus, OH
Downtown riverfront in the Scioto Mile
Booth #M545 on Main St.
Fri. June 10 • 11am – 9pm
Sat. June 11 • 10am – 9pm
Sun. June 12 • 10am – 5pm

For more information on my textured palette knife paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Or, please visit my website at  NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.


 https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/