Painting Fall at the North Carolina Arboretum by Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

   

36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

©2025 Niki Gulley

Today I joined the Asheville Plein Air Painters at the North Carolina Arboretum. While several of the trails were closed from the hurricane, the main gardens were open and it turned out to be a gorgeous afternoon. I loved the bright pops of color in their “mum quilt.” What a fantastic, welcoming group. I look forward to the next time I can join again!

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

  

Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains by Palette Knife Painter Niki Gulley

     

"Fall's Spectrum" ©2025 Niki Gulley

24" x 30" textured acrylic painting on canvas

Here is Asheville, NC in all of its peak autumn glory the last week of October. Of course, one of the challenges of plein-air painting is you never know what is going to change in the scene you are capturing. For instance, our neighbors at our campsite chose to park their black sedan right here in the middle of our picturesque view. Oh, well! The scenery beyond was still beautiful and I was able to take some photos on my camera to finish this one up at home. It also gave us a good excuse to take a scooter ride on that beautiful 70 degree day and check out the picturesque nature trails in the North Carolina Arboretum. Not a bad way to finish up our immersive autumn trip!

 

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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.

Vibrant Fall Foliage Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

  

"Autumn Wonderland" 36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

©2024 Niki Gulley

Those magical moments on Asheville trails when the sun hits just right! 🍂 Finally getting to paint these incredible colors I've been dreaming about since our RV trip last fall. The leaves were literally dancing in the breeze while I painted - nature's own little show!

I hope you enjoy the ride, too! Check out this video if you's like to see more of the gorgeous autumn scenery - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB8-2vmR87-/.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

Walking in the Woods with Impressionist Landscape Painter Niki Gulley

 

"Carpeted Path" 36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

©2024 Niki Gulley

Can't help but gasp every time I look up at these fall colors! Finally getting to paint these Asheville trees after dreaming about them for so long. The way the light hits the leaves just makes my heart happy - like nature's own light show. Loving the sounds of leaves falling and crunching underfoot, while enjoying the uplifting autumn colors and refreshing November air. I hope you enjoy this relaxing, rejuvenating walk through the woods with me! 

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

New "Autumn Brushstrokes" Palette Knife Painting by Asheville Artist Niki Gulley

 

"Autumn Brushstrokes" © 2025 Niki Gulley

12" x 12" textured acrylic on canvas panel

Can you feel nature's energy as cooling autumn breezes dance through the vibrant foliage? As leaves start to fall, glimpses of the distance peeks and valleys shine through and your journey is illuminated with gorgeous mountain views. Incorporating bold, broad, skipping strokes add to that feeling of joy and rejuvenation while thick, chunky texture brings this sculptural painting to life.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife paintings.

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

Can you feel nature's energy as cooling autumn breezes dance through the vibrant foliage? As leaves start to fall, glimpses of the distance peeks and valleys shine through and your journey is illuminated with gorgeous mountain views. Incorporating bold, broad, skipping strokes add to that feeling of joy and rejuvenation while thick, chunky texture brings this sculptural painting to life.

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/.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

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? 🎨

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

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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

Walking in the Woods with Impressionist Landscape Painter Niki Gulley

 

36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

©2024 Niki Gulley

Loving the sounds of leaves falling and crunching underfoot, while enjoying the uplifting autumn colors and refreshing November air. I hope you enjoy this relaxing, rejuvenating walk through the woods with me! 

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

Painting Fall at the North Carolina Arboretum by Impressionist Niki Gulley

   

36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

©2024 Niki Gulley

Today I joined the Asheville Plein Air Painters at the North Carolina Arboretum. While several of the trails were closed from the hurricane, the main gardens were open and it turned out to be a gorgeous afternoon. I loved the bright pops of color in their “mum quilt.” What a fantastic, welcoming group. I look forward to the next time I can join again!

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

  

Walking in the Woods Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

   

"Vibrant Destination" 18” x 36" textured acrylic painting on canvas

©2024 Niki Gulley

Being in the mountains, you never know what the weather is going to do. So with the threat of rain, I decided to stay right at our campsite underneath the awning just in case. And, why not when this is the view??? So many first responders were staying on the premises, coming and going, chatting while passing and I was pleased that I could add some brightness to their day. I hope this one lifts your spirits, too!

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

Vibrant Fall Foliage Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

  

36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

©2024 Niki Gulley

Even though a lot of trees have fallen in Asheville, there is still so much beautiful fall color. I hope you enjoy the ride, too! Check out this video if you's like to see more of the gorgeous autumn scenery - https://www.instagram.com/p/DB8-2vmR87-/.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

Painting Autumn in All Its Glory with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

24” x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas

©2024 Niki Gulley

While hurricane Helene created such devastation in Asheville, we’ve been looking for scenery in the area that can lift your spirits. And, the explosion of vibrant fall color here does not disappoint! The maples are displaying their full autumn glory, so I had to capture those ruby reds for you. May this kids’ perspective bring you the joy of carefree days and hopes for a bright future. 

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife travel paintings.

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

Palette Knife Waterfall Painting by Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Looking Glass Falls" ©2024 Niki Gulley

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/.

 

 

•••

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.

Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains by Palette Knife Painter Niki Gulley

    

"Fall's Spectrum" ©2024 Niki Gulley

24" x 30" textured acrylic painting on canvas

Here is Asheville, NC in all of its peak autumn glory the last week of October. Of course, one of the challenges of plein-air painting is you never know what is going to change in the scene you are capturing. For instance, our neighbors at our campsite chose to park their black sedan right here in the middle of our picturesque view. Oh, well! The scenery beyond was still beautiful and I was able to take some photos on my camera to finish this one up at home. It also gave us a good excuse to take a scooter ride on that beautiful 70 degree day and check out the picturesque nature trails in the North Carolina Arboretum. Not a bad way to finish up our immersive autumn trip!

 

•••

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.