Tuesday, February 4, 2025

It's not just about what you see, but what you can feel


Zoom in... there's a story in every layer! 🎨 Using my palette knife technique allows me to create rich textures that bring depth and movement to each piece.

It's not just about what you see, but what you can feel - that's why I love how the raised paint catches light and creates shadows, making the artwork come alive from every angle. ✨

Interesting fact: These textured strokes aren't just visual - they allow my blind father to 'see' my paintings through touch, adding another dimension to how art can be experienced. 💫

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"Arms to Heaven" ©2025 Niki Gulley
textured acrylic painting on canvas • 30" x 30"

To see more of my impressionist palette knife paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

If you have any questions about my aspen and birch tree paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.


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

Monday, February 3, 2025

New "Casting Shadows" Fall Foliage Painting by Asheville Artist Niki Gulley

"Casting Shadows" ©2025 Niki Gulley

textured acrylic on canvas

30" x 40” on 1.5″ deep canvas with the painting wrapping around the edges


What a gorgeous day for a drive through the beautiful fall foliage! I hope you can feel the cool breeze and smell the fresh scent of pine and cider in the air. May this one bring joy and energy to your day, as you escape into this autumn wonderland.

If you’d like to see a photo of me painting this one and it’s 3-D texture, check out https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHGx3RRo4n/.


To see more of Niki's contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


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

Friday, January 31, 2025

Nature's Inspiration by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

There's something magical about protecting your studio time. When nothing interrupts the flow, stories emerge through color and texture that I never expected. What time of day do you feel most inspired? 🎨


To see more of Niki's contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.


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


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"Casting Shadows" ©2025 Niki Gulley

textured acrylic on canvas

30" x 40” on 1.5″ deep canvas with the painting wrapping around the edges

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Can you feel the spring breeze rustling through the blooms?


Zoom in to discover the layers of texture that bring these Texas wildflowers to life! The rich reds dance with cobalt blues, creating a symphony of color and movement that captures the joy of discovering these natural treasures in the wild.

My palette knife technique allows you to not just see the flowers, but feel their energy and movement.

Can you feel the spring breeze rustling through the blooms? 🌸
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“Colorful Two Step" ©2025 Niki Gulley
36" x 36" textured acrylic painting on wrap around canvas

To see my "Colorful Two Step" series, please visit the Good Art Company Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX at https://www.goodartcompany.com/niki-gulley.

***
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/

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Tuscany Foodie Trek Sadly Concludes with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams


SOLD • 20" x 10" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

Day 7, Pienza:  TUSCANY FOODIE TREK
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Just sold! On the last day of our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we explored nearby Pienza to enjoy its picturesque alleyways and amazing views of the valleys below. Having been home to Pope Pius II, the town is filled with interesting historical sites, great shopping, delicious lunch spots and plenty of inspirational scenery to paint. From one of the overlooks, I chose this beautiful vineyard perched above the rolling hills for my subject. Diagonally planted grapevines lead your eye to the quintessential Tuscan farmhouse, surrounded by cypress and jaw-dropping views. May this one transport you to this magical place!

We capped the night off with an amazing Michelin dinner surrounded by new friends and drifted off to sleep, full, happy and at peace.

Making pasta memories!


***

For more details on my other Tuscany 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/


***


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

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full

Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/


If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

  

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley Paints Water Lilies

   

"Tuscany Oasis" ©2025 Niki Gulley
10" x 20" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Is this just about the most beautiful setting you could imagine? Castle - check. Cypress trees - check. Water lilies - check. Surrounded by beautiful roes all around - check. Set against a gorgeous blue sky on a warm, sunny day - check. I don't think this one needs any explanation as to why I had to paint it! All I have to say is I hope you, too, are transported to this magical wonderland.



•••

For details on more of my Tuscany or sunflower 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/


***


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

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full

Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/


If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Monday, January 27, 2025

Tuscany Poppy Field Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

 


"Ruby Expanse" ©2025 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!

•••

"Ruby Expanse" is available through The Good Art Company Gallery. Please visit https://www.goodartcompany.com/product-page/abstract-impression-original-art-10x20-landscape-ruby-expanse-tuscany.

***

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.

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


***


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

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full

Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/


If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Friday, January 24, 2025

"Golden Undulation" Textured Painting by Niki Gulley from Tuscany

 


"Golden Undulation," Tuscany ©2024 Niki Gulley

10" x 20" Textured Acrylic Painting on Canvas Panel

My husband and I stumbled upon this quintessential Tuscan farmhouse while out for a scenic drive this spring. Perched alone on top of this hill, we loved how the incredibly long cypress lined driveway was silhouetted by the sky. The soft light caused the hills to glow the most intense golden chartreuse, and I felt compelled to capture the beautiful scene. Unfortunately that meant I had to set up my easel alongside a rather busy road. Undeterred by the constant parade of racing traffic and horn honking semi trucks, I quickly got to work in order to paint these gorgeous clouds and light before they were gone.

"Golden Undulation" is available through The Good Art Company Gallery. Visit https://www.goodartcompany.com/product-page/abstract-impression-original-art-10x20-landscape-golden-undulation.

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.

***



Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 - October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. 

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

***

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

Thursday, January 23, 2025

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

   


"Cypress Serenade" ©2025 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.

***


If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025


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


***

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


***
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.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Visiting Montepulciano and Tuscan Wineries with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

20" x 10" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
SOLD • by Niki Gulley 

Just Sold! During our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we headed to the wine town of Montepulciano. Perched atop a giant hill with beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards below, I set up my easel at this breathtaking overlook while the rest of our group visited wineries and toured the town. I could just imagine what it would be like living in that villa with those spectacular views. And, I even got to meet the homeowners who were based out of Austin, TX of all places and they confirmed my suspicions of just how fabulous it is staying there!

After lunch, we visited a winery nearby to sample their Rossos, Vino Nobiles and the delicious sweet dessert wine, Vin Santo. Full from the local meats and cheeses and tasty red wines, we headed back to the villa for a quiet night of relaxing and soaking in the evening scenery.


If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Foodie or Art Treks, please let us know.

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


***


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

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full

Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/


If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Visiting Siena Italy with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams on their Tuscany Foodie Trek

  

 

"Duomo," Siena ©2024 Niki Gulley 
5" x 7" oil painting on panel

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 2:  Siena, Italy

During the Foodie Trek that my husband and I led in Tuscany, we headed to the Medieval hill town of Siena, with its incredible church, great people-watching plaza, and interesting alleyways radiating out from the Campo with something new to discover around every turn. 

While most of our group toured inside the Duomo, I chose to set up my easel and capture it's impressive facade. Beautiful pink, green, white and black marble are stacked in such intricate patterns, it's impossible to capture on a 5" x 7" canvas but I was able to at least suggest some of those colors and its scale, while showing the energy around it with people bustling in every direction.


That evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner with  pasta doing the backstroke in truffles and pecorino cream while sharing our experiences. What a fantastic day!



For more details on my other Tuscany 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/


***


If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025


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

Monday, January 20, 2025

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

    

"Coming Home" ©2024 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 purchase this painting, visit the Good Art Company Gallery at https://www.goodartcompany.com/product-page/abstract-impression-original-art-20x10-landscape-coming-home.

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

***


If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full

Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025


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


***

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