New "Sapphire Symphony" Large Texas Bluebonnet Painting by Niki Gulley

  

“Sapphire Symphony" ©2025 Niki Gulley

48" x 60" textured acrylic painting on wrap around canvas

My labor of love this past month! With the canvas as wide as I am tall, and so many ups and downs my step ladder painting it, this one was quite the workout. But, it was important for me to completely immerse you in the energy found amongst nature. This painting is best seen in person so that you can step into this life-size canvas and feel our Texas' landscape's beauty yourself.

I made sure to not over blend my thick strokes so that you could see the marks and feel the vivacity found in nature. Repeating patterns and waves of color create a harmony within the painting. Rendering the bluebonnets and wildflowers along with their surroundings loosely plays with taking a traditional subject matter and putting a new twist on it. Voluminous and dramatic clouds surround your journey into this uplifting symphonic expression of peace and hope.

***

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.

Visiting Vineyards and Wine Tasting with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

   

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

by Niki Gulley

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 4: Wine Tasting in Montalcino

Today we visited the nearby hill town of Montalcino and sampled their famous Brunello wines. The vino was beyond delicious and the spread of homemade bruschetta and local meats and cheeses were paired perfectly. Stopping off along the way, we toured an ancient Monastery that feels so spiritual in its divine simplicity that everyone found it a highlight of the trip.

In the above painting you can see this beautiful abbey in the distance, surrounded by grapevines, olive groves and cypress trees. Signs of fall appear as the colorful vines turn vibrant shades of crimson. Setting up my easel across from this vineyard, I began recreating the soft light that would break through the clouds and illuminate various hilltops and plantings. I arranged the vines to lead your eye back to the church and the beautiful countryside. I hope you can taste the delicious wine and escape to Tuscany with us!

***

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.

***

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

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

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

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 - October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June

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.

Siena Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

  

©2024 Niki Gulley

9" x 12" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Day 3:  TUSCANY ART TREK - Siena

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

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. It turned out the homeowner who lived in the yellow house was so happy that I was painting his home, that he kept checking on my progress while I was working. I love getting to meet the locals while I work!

For dinner that night, we treated ourselves to a delicious home-made Italian meal of pastas, truffles, pecorino cheese and some amazing red wine!

***

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

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

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

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 - October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June

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.

***

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

NikiGulley.com

Dining al Fresco in Tuscany with Impressionist Landscape Painter Niki Gulley

   

20" x 10" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

by Niki Gulley 

I loved this antique table set up underneath the shade of this gnarly umbrella pine in Tuscany. The setting was so warm and inviting – we just wanted to have a lovely picnic there. Throw in a bottle of wine and you have the perfect backdrop for a relaxing lunch!

For details on more of my Tuscany and Italy paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

***

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
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

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

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 - October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June

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.

Painting Vineyards in Tuscany with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

  

18" x 24" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

by Niki Gulley 

During our Tuscany Foodie Trek that my husband and I led, we headed to the wine town of Montalcino. I set up my easel at this gorgeous vineyard with its colorful grapevines turning beautiful oranges and golds with the cooling fall temperatures. Capturing the rows of grapes hugging the hills and leading you back to the villa perched in the distance, I hope you can taste the delicious wine and escape to Tuscany with me!

For details on more of my Tuscany and Italy paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

***

 ***

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

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

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

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 - October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June

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.

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
Only 1 Spot Left!
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 a couple of 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.

Tuscan Rose Garden Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

 

  

18" x 24" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley

What a delight as we checked into our B and B in Tuscany to discover that the grounds were surrounded by rose gardens. WOW! With such a plethora of beautiful blooms, it was really hard to narrow down what to paint. Finally I landed on these red, pink and white beauties with the Tuscan villa in the distance. Two chairs invite you to sit down, enjoy a glass of wine, relax and just enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

For details on more of my Tuscany and Italy paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

***

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

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

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

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 - October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June

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.

Day 5, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

SOLD • "Villa with a View" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 10" x 8" Textured oil painting

Day 5, Cinque Terre Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On our fifth day in Cinque Terre, we visited the final town of Manarola. Opting to leave our paint gear and just be tourists for the morning, we joined the photographers in exploring the town and grabbing a light lunch.

"Crescendo," Manarola ©2014 Scott Williams • photograph

That afternoon we opted to paint this picturesque Italian courtyard, keeping our composition simple for a quick, fun and colorful study. That evening we gathered for another delicious dinner!

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

***

We'll be returning to Cinque Terre next fall (2026) with an exciting new Art Trek! If you're interested in joining us there or one one of our other workshops, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley Greece Art Trek Full Switzerland Art Trek  Full Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025  September 20-27, 2025 Only 2 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/   2026 Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026  September 26 - October 3, 2026 Only 6 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy October 4-11, 2026 https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Coming Soon: Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June 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.

 

Visiting Vernazza, Italy with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

SOLD • Vernazza ©2018 Niki Gulley • 5" x 7" Textured oil painting

Cinque Terre Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 4 - Vernazza

When we arrived in Vernazza, the photographers and tourists took off exploring the town and scenic overlooks above while the painters set up their easels near the harbor to capture the beautiful golden late afternoon light. Right after sunset, Scott took the photographers to shoot the dreamy blue light and glow of the city colors. I painted the small sunset below and the other painters went shopping. Later, we all met up for a delicious dinner of locally caught fish, pastas and regional wine. Full and happy, we rode the train back to Monterosso and crashed that evening after a fun-filled day.

Vernazza Sunset ©2018 Niki Gulley • 5" x 7" Textured oil painting

"Safe Harbor," Vernazza ©2014 Scott Williams • photograph

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

***

***

We'll be returning to Cinque Terre next fall (2026) with an exciting new Art Trek! If you're interested in joining us there or one one of our other workshops, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley Greece Art Trek Full Switzerland Art Trek  Full Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025  September 20-27, 2025 Only 2 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/   2026 Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026  September 26 - October 3, 2026 Only 6 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy October 4-11, 2026 https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Coming Soon: Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June 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.

 

Monterosso Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley25

"Morning Overlook," Monterosso ©2014 Niki Gulley 

SOLD • 9" x 12" oil painting

Cinque Terre Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 3: Monterosso and Cornelia

After a busy day in Riomaggiore the day before, our painters stayed closer to home and painted this beautiful harbor in Monterosso. The photographers and tourists spent some time exploring our town and then took the train to Cornelia, where they shot and shopped in the village perched highest of all the Cinque Terre towns.

Later that afternoon, we reconvened and stopped by a local winery to sample their whites, reds, limoncino and regional delicious dessert wine, Sciacchetrá.

***

We'll be returning to Cinque Terre next fall (2026) with an exciting new Art Trek! If you're interested in joining us there or one one of our other workshops, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley Greece Art Trek Full Switzerland Art Trek  Full Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025  September 20-27, 2025 Only 2 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/   2026 Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026  September 26 - October 3, 2026 Only 6 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy October 4-11, 2026 https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Coming Soon: Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June 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.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Cinque Terre Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Italian Riviera" ©2025 Niki Gulley

40" x 30" oil painting on canvas 

Day 2, Riomaggiore: CINQUE TERRE

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

On the second day of our plein-air painting and photography workshop in Cinque Terre, Italy, the sun was shining and we rode the train to the southern-most city of Riomaggiore. Setting up our easels right near the water, we enjoyed the cathartic sounds of the waves crashing against the rocky shore as we painted. I chose this view looking back at the intricate puzzle of stacked houses lining the hills while some of my students chose to paint the rocky cliffs and ocean surf. What an amazing, gorgeous, inspiring day!

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

To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings and plein air oil paintings, please visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

***

Next year, we'll be returning to Cinque Terre with an exciting new Art Trek! If you're interested in joining us there or one one of our other workshops, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley Greece Art Trek Full Switzerland Art Trek  Full Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025  September 20-27, 2025 Only 2 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/   2026 Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026  September 26 - October 3, 2026 Only 6 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy October 4-11, 2026 https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Coming Soon: Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June 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.

Cinque Terre, Italy Plein Air Painting / Photo Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Peaceful Courtyard" ©2019 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 12" x 9" oil painting

Cinque Terre Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1: Monterosso / the 5 Village Hike

We were greeted in Cinque Terre with gorgeous sunny weather, so the photographers and tourists headed out on our first morning on the 5 mile scenic hike high above, linking the five cities of the Cinque Terre, taking in breathtaking scenery along the way. With our paint gear, we opted to stay in Monterosso and capture this beautiful quiet courtyard, with its soft dappled light and lovely plantings.

That evening we connected with the hikers and enjoyed a delicious dinner of fresh caught seafood, local pesto and pasta, and tasty Italian wine. A great end to a perfect first day!

***

Good news - we'll be returning to Cinque Terre next fall (2026) with an exciting new Art Trek! If you're interested in joining us there or one one of our other workshops, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley Greece Art Trek Full Switzerland Art Trek  Full Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025  September 20-27, 2025 Only 2 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/   2026 Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026  September 26 - October 3, 2026 Only 6 spots left! https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy October 4-11, 2026 https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/ Coming Soon: Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks - March Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks - May/June 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.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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