Visiting Siena, Italy - Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Passageway," Siena ©2025 Niki Gulley

7" x 5" oil painting on panel

Day 3:  TUSCANY ART TREK - Siena

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

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

That night we had a Tuscan chef prepare us an amazing 7 course meal at the villa - Buon Appetito!

 NikiGulley.com

E-mail Niki Gulley

•••

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.

Palette Knife Painting of the Piazza in Siena, Italy by Niki Gulley

"Piazza" Siena, Italy ©2025 Niki Gulley

7" x 5" textured oil painting on panel

One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Siena, is to just sit in the Piazza and paint from different vantage points. Studying the architecture and experiencing the buzzing energy as residents co-mingle with tourists in the square is so fun to witness!

E-mail Niki Gulley.

 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.

"Windows on the World" Oil Painting by Niki Gulley from Tuscany

"Windows on the World" ©2025 Niki Gulley

9" x 12" textured oil painting on panel

Inspired by Tuscany, you can almost imagine what the view must be like when you throw open the shutters and greet the morning as the scene unfolds below you! I loved the morning light raking across the building, casting long shadows and causing the textured stone and brick to tell its detailed history. And, there’s always one piece of laundry that refuses to dry as quickly as the others on the closthesline!

If you're interested in purchasing this painting, just follow this link nikigulley.com/windows-on-the-world/.

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

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Colorful Rose Garden Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Ruby Blooms" ©2024 Niki Gulley

20" x 10" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful rose gardens surrounding the property. WOW! With such a plethora of gorgeous blooms, it was really hard to narrow down what to paint. Finally I landed on these crimson beauties with a peek at the Tuscan villa in the distance. I adore the cypress trees so indicative of Tuscany so I made sure to include them in the background. I also loved how this ancient twisted vine hugged the scene, creating an organic window of the view beyond. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

"Ruby Blooms" is available through the Good Art Company at https://www.goodartcompany.com/product-page/abstract-impression-original-art-20x10-landscape-ruby-bloomstps://www.nikigulley.com/ruby-blooms/.

For details on more of my Tuscany or rose garden 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.

3-D Petal Poetry Paintings by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

Get lost in the ebb and flow of luscious chunky paint as it waltzes around these new creations. I am working with paint so thick, it is literally leaping off the canvas and bringing nature’s beauty to life. At least half an inch thick in some places, these buttery, voluptuous florals are what paint dreams are made of!

 

Check out my videos on Instagram to see how much dimension these really have, https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/.

 

“Petal Poetry VI” 

5” x 5” sculpted, highly textured acrylic painting on panel 

Unframed – $350 through 2/23 $250

Framed – $450 through 2/23 $350

 

• This piece looks great hung individually or paired with a complimentary floral landscape in the series.

E-mail Niki Gulley.

NikiGulley.com

 

New Sculptural Rose Paintings in Time for Valentine's Day by Niki Gulley

There is just something inherently beautiful about a rose. The bards write poems about it and musicians compose ballads about them. They signify love and happiness and their aroma always seem to make us smile. Think of how much better the world is when roses are a part of your day.

Check out my videos on Instagram to see how much dimension these really have, https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/.

 

“Petal Poetry VI” 

5” x 5” sculpted, highly textured acrylic painting on panel 

Unframed – $350 through 2/23 $250

Framed – $450 through 2/23 $350

 

• This piece looks great hung individually or paired with a complimentary floral landscape in the series.

E-mail Niki Gulley.

NikiGulley.com

Colorful Rose Garden Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Ruby Blooms" ©2024 Niki Gulley

20" x 10" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful rose gardens surrounding the property. WOW! With such a plethora of gorgeous blooms, it was really hard to narrow down what to paint. Finally I landed on these crimson beauties with a peek at the Tuscan villa in the distance. I adore the cypress trees so indicative of Tuscany so I made sure to include them in the background. I also loved how this ancient twisted vine hugged the scene, creating an organic window of the view beyond. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

"Ruby Blooms" is available through the Good Art Company at https://www.goodartcompany.com/product-page/abstract-impression-original-art-20x10-landscape-ruby-bloomstps://www.nikigulley.com/ruby-blooms/.

For details on more of my Tuscany or rose garden 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'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full
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 
September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025

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

 

Colorful Rose Garden Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"Ruby Blooms" ©2024 Niki Gulley

20" x 10" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful rose gardens surrounding the property. WOW! With such a plethora of gorgeous blooms, it was really hard to narrow down what to paint. Finally I landed on these crimson beauties with a peek at the Tuscan villa in the distance. I adore the cypress trees so indicative of Tuscany so I made sure to include them in the background. I also loved how this ancient twisted vine hugged the scene, creating an organic window of the view beyond. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

To purchase "Ruby Blooms," go to https://www.nikigulley.com/ruby-blooms/.

For details on more of my Tuscany or rose garden paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

***

Iceland Art Trek
August 6-13, 2024
FULL

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only a few spaces left! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

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

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. 

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

"A Rose by Any Other Name #10" by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

 

"A Rose by Any Other Name" #10 ©2022 Niki Gulley

5" x 5" textured acrylic painting

A rose is a rose, is a rose. Not in my backyard – they are what I look at first thing in the morning as I am waiting on my coffee. I love to look out the windows to see if I have any new blooms and what color they are today. That way I can get an idea of what I want to paint that day.

If you're interested in purchasing this painting and seeing a close up of its thick texture, just follow this link  https://www.nikigulley.com/a-rose-by-any-other-name-x/.

E-mail Niki Gulley.

NikiGulley.com

Red Rose Painting by Contemporary Expressionist Niki Gulley

"A Rose by Any Other Name" #9 ©2022 Niki Gulley

5" x 5" textured acrylic painting

A rose is a rose, is a rose. Not in my backyard – they are what I look at first thing in the morning as I am waiting on my coffee. I love to look out the windows to see if I have any new blooms and what color they are today. That way I can get an idea of what I want to paint that day.

If you're interested in purchasing this painting and seeing a close up of its thick texture, just follow this link  https://www.nikigulley.com/a-rose-by-any-other-name-ix/.

E-mail Niki Gulley.

NikiGulley.com

Red Rose Painting by Contemporary Expressionist Niki Gulley

Daily Painting #17

"A Rose by Any Other Name" #8 ©2020 Niki Gulley

5" x 5" textured acrylic painting

A rose is a rose, is a rose. Not in my backyard – they are what I look at first thing in the morning as I am waiting on my coffee. I love to look out the windows to see if I have any new blooms and what color they are today. That way I can get an idea of what I want to paint that day.

If you're interested in purchasing this painting and seeing a close up of its thick texture, just follow this link  http://nikigulley.com/a-rose-by-any-other-name-8/‎.

A Rose by Any Other Name #1 picture above in black frame. If interested in framing options, please e-mail me.

If you'd like to receive weekly e-mails about these new paintings, please tell me to add you to my daily paintings newsletter. And, if you know anyone else who might be interested, I'd really appreciate it if you could pass this along. Also, you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram where I post daily about these new pieces as they're ready. Thank you!

E-mail Niki Gulley.

 NikiGulley.com

"A Rose by Any Other Name #7" by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

Daily Painting #16

"A Rose by Any Other Name" #7 ©2020 Niki Gulley

5" x 5" textured acrylic painting

Once more my roses have been providing me with a huge amount of inspiration. Almost every time I turn around there is a new bloom with stunning colors. I love the plant that we picked out. I just had no idea that it would produce such a varied array of different flowers on the same bush.

If you're interested in purchasing this painting and seeing a close up of its thick texture, just follow this link  http://nikigulley.com/a-rose-by-any-other-name-7/ ‎.

A Rose by Any Other Name #1 picture above in black frame. If interested in framing options, please e-mail me.

If you'd like to receive weekly e-mails about these new paintings, please tell me to add you to my daily paintings newsletter. And, if you know anyone else who might be interested, I'd really appreciate it if you could pass this along. Also, you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram where I post daily about these new pieces as they're ready. Thank you!

E-mail Niki Gulley.

 NikiGulley.com