Zen Garden oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Zen Garden" ©2010 Niki Gulley

10" x 8" oil painting

Having grown up in Chicago, this painting is inspired by the Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanic Gardens since I've always loved their grounds ever since I was a little kid. In fact, I painted this piece from a photo I took in high school and have held onto all of these years! I thought it would be fun to paint the scene in thick oil with palette knives. I especially like how the broken color strokes on the water make it look like its surface is shimmering in the sun.

To purchase Zen Garden, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or, if you're in the Chicago area, stop by my booth at Evanston's Fountain Square Art Festival June 26th & 27th, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=123.

NikiGulley.com

Nightfall III, Chicago pastel by Niki Gulley

"Nightfall III," Chicago ©2010 Niki Gulley

10" x 8" pastel

In contrast to the ghost town downtown Dallas can sometimes be at night, I love the energy pulsing through downtown Chicago, especially near Michigan Avenue. Besides the excitement in all of the activity, I like how everything is illuminated and the way the lights sparkle. In Nightfall III, I wanted to contrast the deep purple I saw in the John Hancock building against the glowing Water Tower in front of it, and am pleased with the dreamy effect.

To view this pastel in person, visit my booth at the Wells Street Art Show in Chicago this weekend. See chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=141 for more information.

Or, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

NikiGulley.com

Nightfall II, Chicago pastel by Niki Gulley

"Nightfall II," Chicago ©2010 Niki Gulley

10" x 8" pastel

I wanted to paint a Chicago landmark in a unique way, so I chose this photo of mine to work from of Buckingham Fountain at night. I love how the lights after dark create a dreamy, romantic feel to most scenes, especially when reflecting on water. I remember hearing the symphony in the background synchronizing with the lights on the fountain and creating such a magical night.

To purchase this painting, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or, stop by my booth at the Wells Street Art Show in Chicago this weekend to see it in person, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=141.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com

Twilight Sail, Chicago pastel by Niki Gulley

"Twilight Sail" ©2010 Niki Gulley

pastel • 8" x 10"

The idea for Twilight Sail came from taking a river boat cruise on Lake Michigan just as the sun was starting to set behind the Chicago skyline. The buildings became slightly silouetted and the sunlight created a beautiful shimmer on the water's surface that I had to capture.

If you'd like to see this pastel in person and you're in Chicago this weekend, stop by my booth at the Wells Street Art Festival, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=141.

Or, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information.

NikiGulley.com

Autumn Birch Study II by Niki Gulley

7" x 5" oil by Niki Gulley

This autumn birch study is painted with extremely thick oil paint and a palette knife. I like how the staccato strokes add to the sense of movement in the leaves and grasses, and even makes it feel like the forest is dancing with life.

To purchase this painting, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Autumn Birch Study by Niki Gulley

7" x 5" oil by Niki Gulley

I painted this fall birch study with extremely thick oil paint and a palette knife. I love the movement in the strokes which contribute to the feeling of the leaves blowing in the breeze and the energy found in nature.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com

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

Birch tree oil painting by Niki Gulley

Birch trees oil painting by Niki Gulley • 5" x 7"

This birch tree study was painted with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com

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