"Rhythm Reflections" Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

   

"Rhythm Reflections" ©2025 Niki Gulley

36" x 60" textured oil painting on canvas

I love being immersed in nature. After living in a city surrounded by concrete and noise, I find being surrounded by mother nature to be extremely cathartic, peaceful and rejuvenating. In Rhythm Reflections, I became fascinated with the mirror reflection on the aspen trees in the water below the horizon line. With the lake surface slightly blurring the individual leaves, patterns started emerging that created a sort of rhythm that I found mesmerizing. Working first with thin drippy paint, and then building up thick layers of oil paint with palette knives to achieve extreme dimension, this painting is loaded with movement, energy and color. Leaving the composition slightly abstracted gives you a chance to form your own contemplative narrative with nature.

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

E-mail - Niki Gulley

"Between the Birches" Fall Foliage Painting from Maine by Niki Gulley

 

  

"Between the Birches" ©2025 Niki Gulley

18" x 24" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Painted on location in Acadia National Park, we discovered this beautiful spot alongside the road with plenty of room to park our RV, which isn't always easy to find a spot large enough. The birches were starting to turn colors and I loved this peaceful lake view. I hope it transports you to serenity, too!

For more details and to purchase, "Between the Birches," follow https://www.nikigulley.com/between-the-birches/.

 

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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.

"Woodland Adventure" Palette Knife Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

     

"Woodland Adventure" ©2025 Niki Gulley

18" x 24"" textured oil painting on board

I find being immersed in nature can have such an uplifting effect, and I wanted to share that feeling with you in Woodland Adventure. I chose pure, intense reds and yellows contrasted against autumn greens to create a fall forest that vibrates with color and energy.  I placed the vivid foliage in diagonal sweeping shapes to create a sense of movement, so that you can feel the wind gently rustling the leaves and causing them to dance on a beautiful fall day.

To purchase this highly textured oil painting, go to https://www.nikigulley.com/woodland-adventure/.

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

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

 

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

   

“Whispers in Time” ©2024 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 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.

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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.

 

"Fence Line" Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

    

"Fence Line" ©2025 Niki Gulley

20" x 16" textured oil painting on canvas panel

Getting a chance to escape home confinement for a quick road trip to the mountains to paint, was just what the doctor ordered! Spending time in nature and reveling in the stunning fall colors with the crisp cool air, rejuvenated my spirit and inspired my muse. Add to the fact that I love aspens and you have just about the perfect remedy for these challenging times. I hope that you will feel my excitement and energy so that it will bring you as much joy as it did me.

To purchase "Fence Line," go to https://www.nikigulley.com/fence-line/.

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E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about my palette knife aspen tree paintings.

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

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Capturing Vermont's Fall Foliage with Palette Knife Painter Niki Gulley

 

  

"Climbing to the Sky" ©2025 Niki Gulley

24" x 18" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

The color explosion in northern Vermont was out of this world, and I just had to capture its fleeting beauty.  So, we found a nice big place to park the RV and I was able to work larger again today. The reds were so vibrant and intense on this maple that it had to be my focus. Feeling like a kid with the excitement of the colors, I chose this uplifting view reminiscent of laying on the ground as a child and staring up into the treetops and sky. Totally lost in the moment and not a care in the world, I hope you are transported to a similar happy memory from your youth!

To purchase "Climbing to the Sky," please visit https://www.nikigulley.com/climbing-to-the-sky/.

 

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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.

"Autumn's Tapestry" Kid's Perspective Painting by Niki Gulley

     

"Autumn's Tapestry" ©2025 Niki Gulley

textured oil painting on board • 20" x 20"

In this painting I wanted you to feel that child-like wonder of staring up into the treetops and heavens above. Choosing uplifting golds and reds contrasted against a turquoise-blue sky with gentle clouds drifting by, I've arranged the aspens in a circular pattern to give you a sense of laying on the ground, surrounded by the forest. Using diagonal leading lines with the tree trunks and limbs, your eye gazes into the focal point where all of the elements come together. Meanwhile, utilizing thick, curving paint strokes adds to that joyful, playful feeling of hope and discovery.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please go to https://www.nikigulley.com/autumns-tapestry/.

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.

"Limitless Possibilities" Abstract Autumn Landscape Painting by Niki Gulley

   

“Limitless Possibilities" ©2025 Niki Gulley

40” x 30" textured mixed media painting 

on 1.5" wrap around canvas with the painting continuing around the edges

You walk down a path sheltered by autumn drenched trees, intrigued by the light flowing through the leaves and branches, casting shadows, colors changing with each gentle breeze, sunlight cascading down your pathway. Peaceful, tranquil this painting flows around the canvas capturing the memory of autumn: lush crisp colors, crunchy leaves and a walk through the woods Walt Whitman would have envied.

For one click shopping, follow https://www.nikigulley.com/contemporary-impressions/.

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.

 

"Arms to Heaven" Uplifting Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

 

"Arms to Heaven" ©2024 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 30" x 30" textured mixed media painting on 1.5" deep canvas with the painting wrapping around the edges

In this painting I wanted you to feel that child-like wonder of staring up in into the treetops and heavens above. Choosing uplifting autumn tones contrasted against a turquoise blue sky, gentle clouds drift by as the sun peeks through casting its magical light on everything it touches and lifting your spirits. Arranging the trees in a circular pattern gives you a sense of laying on the ground, surrounded by the forest and directs your eye to hope's focal point. Utilizing thick, energetic paint strokes adds to that joyful, playful feeling of promise and discovery.

To purchase, visit https://www.nikigulley.com/arms-to-heaven/.

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.

 

"Syncopation" Textured Aspen Painting by Niki Gulley

   

"Syncopation II" ©2025 Niki Gulley

 12" x 24" • textured oil painting on canvas

Flickering autumn leaves seem to almost dance in a gentle breeze while white sentinels slice through the colorful backdrop and create a rhythm as they march along. Repeating and receding, the aspen trunks lead you into the distance, inviting you to take a relaxing walk on a beautiful autumn morning.

To purchase, please go to https://www.nikigulley.com/syncopation-ii/.

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E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her palette knife aspen and birch tree paintings.

See NikiGulley.com to see more of her contemporary landscape paintings.

"Fracturing Reality II" Textured Abstract Aspen Painting by Niki Gulley

   

“Fracturing Reality II” ©2024 Niki Gulley

24” x 24” textured acrylic painting on canvas

Abstract realism – the synthesis of abstract and realistic painting. Borrowing abstract influences, such as focusing on color, line, shape and rhythm without a concrete, physical object and combining those concepts with depicting something from reality. When you marry these two genres, you get a new style of art that aims to illicit the emotions behind the subject. 

In "Fracturing Reality II," I hope you feel rejuvenated as you gaze into nature's wonders and escape into your dreams.

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

To see more of my textured nature paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

History Lessons While Painting Gettysburg Bridge with Artist Niki Gulley

 

"Covered History" ©2025 Niki Gulley

9" x 12" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Next up on our Fall Foliage Freedom Tour, we left the Northeast and started heading south. Our next destination was Washington, D.C. to visit with friends and family, but we were looking for a place to stop along the way. Low and behold, directly on our route was Gettysburg, so we had to stop in for a history lesson. And, I have a love and fascination with covered bridges, so we found Sachs Bridge and I set up my easel to capture its story.

And, boy did I get a story! Some civil war re-enactors (who also acted in the movie Glory) stopped by to chat with me and tell me all about the bridge. It was used by both Union and Confederate Troops and people claim that it is haunted at night by confederate soldiers. While I was painting, a couple in Halloween wedding clothes were getting their portraits taken, fascinated with its haunted tales. My quiet little painting spot turned out to be quite the exciting site!

 

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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.

Colorful Birch Tree Painting from Vermont by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Golden Destination” ©2025 Niki Gulley

20″ x 30″ textured acrylic painting on canvas

The weather turned quickly in Vermont! From 80 to 50 and solid rain in just a day. So here I took advantage of my last chance to paint while it was dry and there were still autumn leaves on the trees. Gilded and crimson foliage invite you to explore this golden light filled path. May you experience nature's joy and serenity while wandering through these woods.

To see a video of the area as I was painting, check out https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOE3TjOlkc/.

 

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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.

Palette Knife Waterfall Painting by Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Looking Glass Falls" ©2024 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 24" x 18" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

So many waterfalls. So little time! Since this one is a shorter hike - just 100 steps down and then we merely had to climb over and balance on some slippery rocks, this was my painting spot! Listen to the cathartic rhythm of those rushing falls. Enjoy your escape with us to the mountains.

If you'd like to see a video and hear the rushing sounds of Looking Glass Falls, visit https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy56cAKufbJ/.

 

 

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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.

"Walk About II" Textured Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

 

  

"Walk About II" ©2025 Niki Gulley

10" x 20" textured mixed media painting 

on 3/4" wrap around canvas with the painting continuing around the edges

Follow the deep wood’s path and wander under a canopy of sheltering leaves, light shifts through each branch and twig. Long, late rays of sunlight pierce the dreaming autumn forest, as you enter shadows dapple your journey. You are walking down a loamy path, filled with color-drenched leaves that invite you into the purple shadows where you may seek your dreams. This painting of a tranquil wood’s trail inspires your journey and your dreams with lush colors and rich images of beauty ahead.

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.

"Full Circle" Seasons Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

      

"Full Circle"  ©2025 Niki Gulley

30" x 30" textured acrylic painting on circular board

In “Full Circle,” I started thinking about how everything has its life cycle. Trees evolve from season to season, sprouting buds, forming leaves, turning in the fall and eventually dying back in the winter. Time is a constant. In our lives, the idea of time is often in the back or our mind. How long will we be here and how are we going to spend it? So, here I used nature as a metaphor. I arranged the seasons in the pattern of a clock face, representing the cycle of life. Twelve main trunks act like the hours in a day, arranged in a circle as time ticks on. Gazing into the treetops like looking up to the heavens, light shines through as a reassuring beacon of hope and what’s beyond.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about my palette knife fall foliage paintings.

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