Last Day Venice Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Juliet's Perch"

12" x 9" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

To purchase this painting, visit nikigulley.com/juliets-perch/.

Venice Art Trek - Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams:  Last Day

On the last day of our Venice Art Trek, St. Mark's Square was packed with tourists and people dressed up in costumes for Carnivalé which we loved seeing, but we were hoping to find a quieter spot to paint. So we left the photographers and headed back near our hotel.

One of my students this time was in her 80’s. And, normally you think as the teacher you should be inspiring your students, but in this case, I believe she inspired me! Plein air painting isn’t easy between not only capturing the scene on location but also toting all of your gear, and she kept at it. 

So, for this last scene, I treated us to a spot right outside the door of our hotel, and let her pick our subject. You’ve got to love the quintessential Venetian balcony with the green shutters and ironwork! I also was attracted to the morning light creating deep shadows on all of the textured bark and stucco, which is so much fun to capture with palette knife. 

That afternoon, everyone had free time to do whatever they chose and that evening we all gathered again for one last delicious meal together. What an incredible trip!

***

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

For more information on my Venice and other travel paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

***

We are excited to announce a new Art Trek for next year, where you will feel like you've stepped into a different time and world, like right out of a movie set. We're elated to be returning to Venice, Italy in February 2026 for the costumed fantasy that occurs during Carnival. We're already about half full, so let us know if you'd like to come along. 

And, while our Switzerland Trek is completely booked this month, we actually have 2 spots open in our Tuscany Foodie Trek this coming September. Always everyone's favorite trip, please let us know if you would like to join us on that delicious gastronomic journey!

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

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

Carnivalé Art Trek - Venice, Italy 2026 
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings - Aug. 9th

https://www.arttreks.org/carnival-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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-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.

***

"Olive Grove" from Tuscany by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Olive Grove," Tuscany ©2025 Niki Gulley 

10" x 20" textured oil painting

During our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we headed to the wine town of Montalcino to sample some of Italy's world famous Brunello. On our way, we stopped at this beautiful convent with massive ancient olive trees growing on the grounds. In the distance, you can see the nearby hill town with vineyards and more olive groves lining the hillside. I wanted to capture the beauty of those regal olive trees on a beautiful sun-filled day in Tuscany.

****

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

Or, to purchase "Olive Grove," click here: nikigulley.com/olive-grove/.

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

***

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 2025. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

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

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

Carnivalé Art Trek - Venice, Italy 2026 
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings - Aug. 9th

https://www.arttreks.org/carnival-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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-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.

Painting in Tuscany with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

 

"Amber Waves," Tuscany ©Niki Gulley

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

Day 3, afternoon location – ART TREKS: TUSCANY
 with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Just Sold! After we finished a delicious antipasto lunch of prosciuttos, local pecorino, and fresh fruits and vegetables, we headed into the hills for our painting location. Golden wheatfields undulating in the breeze lined the foreground and set the stage for this quintessential tuscan farmhouses. Peaks and valleys rise and fall in the background, signaling you are in Tuscany. Between the quiet surroundings, perfect weather, and the gorgeous scenery this proved to be a very inspiring afternoon!

***

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 2025. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

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

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

Carnivalé Art Trek - Venice, Italy 2026 
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings - Aug. 9th

https://www.arttreks.org/carnival-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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-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.

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

 

"Duomo," Siena ©2025 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.

***

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 2025. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

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

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

Carnivalé Art Trek - Venice, Italy 2026 
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings - Aug. 9th

https://www.arttreks.org/carnival-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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-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.

Siena Tower Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Siena Tower" ©2025 Niki Gulley

12" x 9" textured oil painting on panel

I set up in one of the quiet cobble streets radiating out from the campo of the Medieval hill town of Siena to capture the textures of their ancient walls and this unique old clock tower. Back in my studio, I added final details and textured paint to pull the scene together and recreate the beauty and history we experienced while in this energetic city.

If you're interested in purchasing this painting, just follow this link nikigulley.com/siena-tower/.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her plein air paintings from Italy.

 NikiGulley.com

***

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 2025. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

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

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

Carnivalé Art Trek - Venice, Italy 2026 
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings - Aug. 9th

https://www.arttreks.org/carnival-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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-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.

"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.

***

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 2025. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

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

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

Carnivalé Art Trek - Venice, Italy 2026 
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings - Aug. 9th

https://www.arttreks.org/carnival-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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-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.

***

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.

Day 5 of Greece Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

Day 5, Greece Art Trek:  Akrotiri and the Red Beach, Santorini

5" x 7" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

On the fifth day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop in Greece, we visited Akrotiri, the remains from a Minoan civilization preserved during the volcanic eruption from the 16th century BC. The ancient city was fascinating. The beach next door also made for a beautiful, relaxing painting location!  I loved this church nestled into the cliffs, so typical on the Greek islands.

The Red Beach • photo by Scott Williams

That afternoon, we headed to a Santorini winery and sampled the local wines. Yum!

Taking a little time out to enjoy the view and sample the Greek wines, which are quite tasty!

***

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionist paintings.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

***

If you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing Art Treks! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full

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

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-2026/

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

Day 2, Greece Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

Day 2, Greece Art Trek:  Santorini

12" x 9" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

On the second full day of our Greece Art Trek, we flew to Santorini and gawked at the amazing view from our hotel overlooking the caldera. Our painters set up their easels right there since the scenery was so beautiful, while the photographers toured through town, shooting the white washed architecture and fantastic views of the ocean below. I chose this vantage of the rocky cliff dotted with dessert plants framing the vivid blue water and the town of Oia in the distance. Everything had a nice soft light that created subtle shadow and intense colors. The cool breeze and great company of our students made for the perfect afternoon painting.

Painting from the pool deck or our hotel!

View of Fira, Santorini

***

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionist paintings.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Greece series.

***

If you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing Art Treks! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full

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

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-2026/

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