Painting in Tuscany with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Flowering Destination" ©2025 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 16" x 20" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we pulled into this villa in Italy, I thought I'd walked into a fantasy land! Gorgeous Roman architecture surrounded by the most beautiful rose gardens in every direction. I could just imagine holding the most romantic wedding here, and how happy all of your guests would be. I hope you, too, can escape into these idyllic grounds and absorb the beauty of Tuscany.

•••

For details on more of my Tuscany or European 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!

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.

Uplifting Palette Knife Sunflower Painting by Niki Gulley

 

 

"Sunshine Serenade" ©2026 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 16" x 20" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 

Started on location in Tuscany, these bright, smiling faces just lifted my spirits and I had to paint them to share their cheer with you! Beyond these joyous sunflowers, the quintessential Tuscan farmhouse has the best view of the surrounding valleys. Misty clouds rise from the horizon as cooler nights meet warmer days and set the stage of the magical light and dreamy allure of Tuscany. The resulting painting is full of warmth, color and texture, and my hope is that when you gaze into it, this piece lifts your spirits and brightens up any spot in your home.

If interested in purchasing this piece, click here nikigulley.com/sunshine-serenade/.

***

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.

***

Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you're in luck if you've always wanted to go! We've had a couple of spots open up for our trip next September. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Spaces fill up quickly! 

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.

Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley Paints Water Lilies

 

   

"Tuscany Oasis" ©2025 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 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.

•••

Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you're in luck if you've always wanted to go! We've had two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2027. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

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.

Agriturismo Cooking Class in the Italian Countryside with Foodie Treks

 

16" x 20" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 

by Niki Gulley

Tuscany Foodie Trek - Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 5: Cooking Class in the Countryside

Today we had our second cooking class today at a fully operating agriturismo. We started making a hand rolled Pici pasta with homemade tomato sauce. Then we moved onto creating a salt crusted pork loin stuffed with herbs, along with roasted veggies. Finally we finished with wine cookies dusted in cinnamon sugar. We also got a chance to tour the farm and cheese making facility. Finally, we reaped the fruits of our labors with some cheese tasting and dining on the delicious meal we cooked, always having a great time!!! Life is so good.

For my painting today, you never know what’s going to happen when you set up on location. Today was rather warm so I chose this shady overlook with views of the beautiful vineyard below. It seemed like a nice, quiet spot. Then came 5 pm, which turns out was social hour for the local guys.

Some stared with crossed arms and facial expressions like they just ate lemons, some paced by craning their necks and one friendly man invited us in Italian to see his home up close since it was the vineyard next to where I was painting. It’s never dull!

To see a video of my process, check out https://www.instagram.com/p/DOv2N5zDO9n//

***

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.

******

 Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you're in luck if you've always wanted to go! We've had two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2026. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
2 Spots Left!

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026

Just A Few Spots left!

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027

Registration Now Open

 

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.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Sadly Concludes with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

"Pops of Sunshine" 20" x 10" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

Day 7, Pienza:  TUSCANY FOODIE TREK

Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

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. 

Meanwhile I had to capture this gorgeous view of the distant hills and farmhouse that we see from our breakfast table at the villa each morning. With a few clouds drifting by, there was a beautiful soft light and a symphony of autumn colors framed by the quintessential Tuscan cypress tree in the foreground. What a perfect morning!

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

***

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To purchase this piece, visit https://www.goodartcompany.com/product-page/acrylic-art-20x10-scenery-pops-of-sunshine-tuscany.

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

***

 Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you're in luck if you've always wanted to go! We've had two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2026. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
2 Spots Left!

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026

Just A Few Spots left!

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027

Registration Now Open

 

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.

Colorful Winter Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

 

"Morning Flow" ©Niki Gulley

9" x 12" textured oil painting  

Available at https://www.nikigulley.com/morning-flow/.

My husband and I recently visited Iceland to gather new inspiration on film and canvas. Going in March so that we could see the northern lights, we were often greeted by snowfall and an occasional blizzard! Today was one of the days where it was too windy to paint or photograph outside so we aimed the car towards this gorgeous vista and I painted from protection of the passenger seat. I loved the play of colors with the blue of the river and sky contrasted against the golden grasses and mountains. The red branches on the winter shrubbery were particularly beautiful and I wanted to feature them in the foreground next to the focal point, meanwhile a light dusting of snow still frosts the ground and adds to the dreamlike landscape.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more details.

Or, for one click shopping to purchase, go to https://www.nikigulley.com/morning-flow/.

***

If you're interested in joining us in 2024 on our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop in Iceland this coming August or on a future Art Trek or Foodie Trek, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

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

***

 

Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley Painting in Tuscany

 

"Rosy Retreat II" ©2026 Niki Gulley

18" x 18" textured acrylic painting on canvas 

I couldn't resist painting in this beautiful rose garden in Tuscany. I was attracted to these bountiful climbing roses framing the villa in the distance as they stretched across this arched trellis. May you be transported to this beautiful, happy place!

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 to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

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

"Interpreting Impressionism" by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

"Interpreting Impressionism" ©2026 Niki Gulley

20" x 16" textured oil painting on canvas

Painted at a park near my home, I loved all of the spring colors surrounding this peaceful pond. Having fun working with complimentary colors much like the impressionists and utilizing large textured strokes, cause this piece to dance with joy and energy. May you escape with me into nature’s beauty!

•••

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

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

 

New "Colorful Ripples" by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

  

"Colorful Ripples" ©2026 Niki Gulley

18" x 24" textured oil painting on canvas

Painted at a park near my home, I loved all of the spring colors reflected in this pond pond. Having fun working with surprising pops of color and utilizing large textured strokes, cause this piece to dance with joy and energy. May you escape with me into nature’s beauty!

•••

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

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

 

"Ruby Road" Palette Knife Poppy Painting by Niki Gulley

 

"Ruby Road" ©2022 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 12" x 16” textured oil painting

I absolutely love it when I come across a whole field of wildflowers – there is something about the transformation of a single dainty flower into a dense explosion of color that inspires awe and delights your senses. 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 its long curving driveway, this villa is set against the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Rows of ruby blooms draw your eye back to the rolling hills and beautiful billowing clouds. Painted with palette knife and thick oil paint, this canvas is loaded with movement, color and dimension.

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

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

***

Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you're in luck if you've always wanted to go! We've had a couple of spots open up for our trip this September. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Spaces fill up quickly! 

Iceland
August 3-10, 2026

Only 1 spot left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Tuscany Foodie Trek 

September 26 - October 3, 2026

Only a couple spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026

Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

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.

***

Tuscany Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Misty Morning," Tuscany ©2022 Niki Gulley

16" x 20" textured oil painting

SOLD! On this morning in Tuscany, we decided to get up really early so that we could capture sunrise over this beautiful valley. The hills were surrounded by a layer of mist that created this ethereal, peaceful quality to the morning. I really liked how the fog accentuated the miles and miles of rolling landscape, perfectly off-setting the villa surrounded by cypress and olive groves in the foreground. While I’m not usually an early morning person, this turned out to be a very inspiring moment!

To see more of my paintings from Tuscany, visit nikigulley.com.

Or, E-mail Niki Gulley for more details.

***

Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you're in luck if you've always wanted to go! We've had a couple of spots open up for our trip this September. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Spaces fill up quickly! 

Iceland
August 3-10, 2026

Only 1 spot left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Tuscany Foodie Trek 

September 26 - October 3, 2026

Only a couple spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026

Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

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.