New "Cypress Serenade" Art from the Tuscan Countryside by Niki Gulley

 

"Cypress Serenade" ©2023 Niki Gulley 

9" x 12" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

I painted "Cypress Serenade" recently on location in Tuscany. I've always been attracted to this lone grouping 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 their drama before they disappeared. Wildflowers blooming in the foreground set the stage and I decided to have fun by repeating those colors throughout the scene, adding to the excitement and energy of the moment.

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Next summer we will be leading a Foodie Trek to Spain and Tuscany, and an Art Trek to Iceland, so if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trips! Details are available on ArtTreks.org.

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Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my impressionistic palette knife paintings.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her contemporary Italy and European paintings.

New Tuscany Poppy Field Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

"Ruby Expanse" ©2023 Niki Gulley

10" x 20" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Before we started teaching in Provence, we first took a direct flight to Rome and explored more of Tuscany for a few days before we flew onto France. Remembering from the past that May is usually a perfect time to find poppy fields, we thought we'd find the ruby beauties everywhere. Wrong! Thus began our crazy quest in search of the elusive poppy. And, after a week of scouring the countryside, we finally found them! Of course, they were right next to our b and b, but in a direction we hadn't explored all week. 

But, once we did finally discover them, the vibrant pops of red just lifted my spirits. Combined with gorgeous skies and dramatic lighting, it was truly inspiring and so much fun to paint after 2 solid rainy days. Hope you can feel and experience all of that joy, too!

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

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

 

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If you'd like to join us on one of our Euorpean Art Treks and learn to paint or photograph, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org for more information.

"Coming Home" New Palette Knife Painting from Tuscany by Niki Gulley

  

"Coming Home" ©2023 Niki Gulley

20" x 10" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

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 the best views of the surrounding valleys, this villa is set against the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. The long curving driveway and undulating wheatfields draw your eye back through the rolling hills. Beautiful, billowing clouds drift overhead.  Early morning light casts dramatic shadows creating a rhythm beckoning you to journey up the drive, guiding you to your new getaway you can call home. 

To see more of my travel location paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

Or, E-mail Niki Gulley for more details.

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

If you're interested in joining us, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly! 

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Last Day, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

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

Day 7, Provence Art Trek: 

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

On the last day of our Provence Art Trek, everyone had a free day to choose how they wanted to spend their time. Some decided to stay right at our b and b, either just relaxing at the pool or taking advantage of the massage therapist on site. Meanwhile the photographers explored the nearby area and a few others wanted to visit the l'Occitane facility nearby. I drove that group for a tour of their perfume facilities, and set up my easel to paint this beautiful courtyard scene of the lavender while they shopped.

That evening we gathered for one final delicious dinner together. Having formed new friendships and enjoyed wonderful memories from the trip, our Provence Art Trek had come to a bittersweet end.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her Provence and lavender field paintings.

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

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Next summer we will be leading a Foodie Trek to Spain and Tuscany, and an Art Trek to Iceland, so if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trips! Details are available on ArtTreks.org.

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Day 6, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

Abbey de Senanque ©2023 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 12" x 9" textured acrylic painting

Day 6, Provence Art Trek: the Luberon

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

After a peaceful day in the countryside, we headed to the Luberon hill towns today. Starting our journey at the Abbey de Senanque, some of our group toured the twelfth century sanctuary's interior, while others painted and photographed the lavender fields and grounds surrounding the abbey. Next we traveled to the red and gold colored town of Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs. Filled with picturesque views, art galleries, restaurants and interesting shops, everyone enjoyed having some free time to wander before we took off for the Pont Julien bridge.

The Roman bridge, dating from 3 BC and constructed without mortar, is an architectural marvel that was still driven on until 2005! After surveying the bridge, we headed back to our b and b. Dinner that night was traditional Provencal fare, including fresh vegetables, fish, meats, and goat cheeses loaded with delicious sauces, garlic and butter. Yum!

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Next summer we will be leading a Foodie Trek to Spain and Tuscany, and an Art Trek to Iceland, so if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trips! Details are available on ArtTreks.org.

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Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my impressionistic palette knife paintings.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her contemporary floral paintings.

Painting and Photographing Lavender Fields in Provence with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

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

Provence Art Trek: Lavender Fields

Day 5, Provence Art Trek: Lavender Fields

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

Just Sold! On our Provence Art Trek this year, we set up our easels in this gorgeous lavender field. The color and aroma explosion were out of this world – a painter's and photographer's dream come true. Words can't even describe how special that moment was! Here you can see a couple of my students and their beautiful paintings. 

Next year we will be leading a Foodie Trek to Spain and Tuscany, and an Art Trek to Iceland. So, if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trips! Visit ArtTreks.org for details.

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 textured lavender paintings.

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Visiting Aix-en-Provence with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

16" x 20" textured acrylic painting ©2023 Niki Gulley

Day 4, Provence Art Trek: Aix-en-Provence and Lavender Fields

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

Today we checked out of our hotel and headed to Provence's cultural hub and Cezanne's home, Aix-en-Provence. We visited its famous Cours Mirabeau boulevard, lined with cafés and plane trees, then onto the city's bountiful produce and flower market, and finished at the impressive cathedral. Then, some of our group went onto tour Cezanne's studio, while others shopped and dined. 

By unanimous vote, we decided to leave Aix earlier than planned and take a detour to visit lavender fields on the way to our hotel. Everyone was dying to see those vibrant stretches of perfectly manicured purple rows, and the Provence countryside did not disappoint! After our Trekkers had reached their saturation point of aromatic beauty, we headed to our picturesque b and b, where we spent the rest of the trip. And, of course we completed the day with another delicious meal.

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E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her lavender, sunflower and poppy field paintings.

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

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Next summer we will be leading a Foodie Trek to Spain and Tuscany, and an Art Trek to Iceland, so if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trips! Details are available on ArtTreks.org.

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Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams, Day 3

 

Day 3, Provence Art Trek: Les Baux / Chateauneuf

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

12" x 9" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

On the third day of our Provence Art Trek, we visited the picturesque town of Les Baux, perched atop its rocky outcropping with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside below. Some folks visited the castle, galleries and shops while the painters set up in this quiet plaza capturing the unique stone residences, medieval cathedral or picturesque courtyard.

In the afternoon we went to one of the most renowned wine towns in the world and sampled some amazing Chateaunef du Pape wines.

Next year we will be leading a Foodie Trek to Spain in March and Tuscany in October, and in August we'll be teaching an Art Trek in Iceland. So if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trips! Details available at http://www.arttreks.org.

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

Or, E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Visiting Arles with Artists Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

"Van Gogh Courtyard" ©2023 Niki Gulley

9" x 12" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Day 2, Afternoon Location: Arles 

Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Recently we lead an Art Trek to Provence where we visited the ancient Roman city of Arles, and also where Van Gogh lived for 18 months. While retracing the famous artist’s footsteps, we got to experience his colorful vision of rather ordinary painting locations. Last stop on this impressionist’s tour, we chose to paint at the asylum where he stayed, creating our own versions of the lovely courtyard garden. What an amazing experience to feel his presence and channel our own inner Van Gogh!

Next summer we will be leading an Art Trek to Spain and the following year we will be headed to Tuscany, England and Ireland, so if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trip! Details will be coming soon on nikigulley.com/artreks.

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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.

Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

12" x 9" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

Provence Art Trek - Painting and Photography Workshop

with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1 

On the first night of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in southern France, we arrived at our B and B and went into town that evening for an amazing dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant. The food was out of this world, the weather was perfect for dining outside, and our new group was great company!

The next morning, our painters stayed at our b and b and painted right there since the grounds were so beautiful. I loved how the typical Provencal trees framed the composition and I could get a real sense for Cezanne's love of the landscape. Meanwhile, the photographers visited a nearby 11th century Abbey and took some incredible photographs. We met up later that day and headed to the nearby town of Arles for lunch.

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Next summer we will be leading a Foodie Trek to Spain and Tuscany, and an Art Trek to Iceland, so if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trips! Details are available on ArtTreks.org.

***

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.

"Sunshine and Gladiolus" by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

  

"Sunshine and Gladiolus" ©2023 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 24" x 12" textured mixed media painting on canvas

Just sold! I saw these cheerful sunflowers and vibrant ruby red Gladiolus planted in my neighborhood every time I got in my car to ran errands  and they were so bright and colorful, I just had to paint them! So this week, I dragged my body out of bed at 5 a.m. to capture them at sunrise before our Texas heat reached 100 degrees. While not normally an early riser, it was well worth it to bask in their glory while I was painting. I hope you, too, can enjoy their sunshine and start your day with a smile.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my sunflower and textured palette knife floral paintings.

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

New "Channeling Van Gogh" Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Channeling Van Gogh" ©2023 Niki Gulley

Last fall I was deeply honored when the Dallas Museum of Art asked me to teach a plein air painting workshop in conjunction with their exhibit "Van Gogh and The Olive Groves." I've always loved the impressionists so this was such a fun project! To be able to demonstrate and show the museum's members how to channel their inner Van Gogh was a perfect match. Setting our easels up in the Arbor Hills Nature area in Plano, they each chose a tree and then experimented with color and mark making with the goal of conveying their feelings and impression of the scene. I chose this beauty for its grandeur and shape, causing my strokes to dance with energy and vibrancy, all in the spirit of Vincent!

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

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

 

Colorful Rose Garden Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

  

"Ruby Blooms" ©2023 Niki Gulley

20" x 10" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful rose gardens surrounding the property. WOW! With such a plethora of gorgeous blooms, it was really hard to narrow down what to paint. Finally I landed on these crimson beauties with a peek at the Tuscan villa in the distance. I adore the cypress trees so indicative of Tuscany so I made sure to include them in the background. I also loved how this ancient twisted vine hugged the scene, creating an organic window of the view beyond. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

For details on more of my Tuscany or rose garden paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

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

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

New "Radiating Aromas" Lavender Field Painting by Niki Gulley

"Radiating Aromas" ©2023 Niki Gulley

 16” x 20” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

The lavender fields in Provence are incredible – perfectly manicured rows and rows of an explosion of violet as far as the eye can see. Rippling purple rows draw your eye to the lone stone farmhouse in the distance while clouds drift by also in rhythmic waves, creating a flowing harmony. Perspective lines converge, leading you to this joyful spot and I hope you can smell the amazing aromas and feel your spirits lifted while gazing into this scene!

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E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my lavender and wildflower fields paintings.

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

 

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If you'd like to join us on one of our Euorpean Art Treks and learn to paint or photograph, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org for more information.