New Blue Ridge Mountain Painting by Asheville Artist Niki Gulley

"Spring Awakening" ©2026 Niki Gulley

24" x 36" textured acrylic painting on wrap around canvas, pictured is silver floater frame

The Blue Ridge mountains in springtime are straight out of fairytale pages. I could not believe the number of flowering plants and trees in what felt like every color of the rainbow. One day it was grey winter and then next a symphonic explosion of leaves and blooms. Voluminous clouds dance overhead as an ethereal mist rises from the valleys. I hope you, too, are transported to this joyous, peaceful utopia!

For details on more of my Blue Ridge Mountain artwork, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

***

Painting and Photographing Gullfoss Waterfall on Niki Gulley’s and Scott Williams’ Art Trek to Iceland

       

12" x 9” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 7 - Gullfoss

On our last day we visited Iceland's Niagara Falls, Gullfoss waterfall, at the top of The Golden Circle. We set out to capture these gorgeous, massive falls with all of their power and glory. Using diagonal strokes to illustrate the energy and strength of the flowing mass, I also wanted to show the water's beauty as it gushed and tumbled over the dramatic cliffs. I hope you can hear the surging cascade and feel the joy of this magical place.

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

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

***

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

We will be returning to the gorgeous Swiss Alps and Tuscany in 2027. These Treks are amazing adventures to explore new cultures and be a part of what makes traveling expand your world and enrich your life. Whether you're a painter, a photographer, food lover or just want to travel in small, friendly groups, this is the trip for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join in the fun as our trips fill up quickly!

Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026

Waitlist Available

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027

A Few Spots Left! 

 

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.

Touring the Golden Circle with Niki Gulley's and Scott Williams’ Art Treks

 

“Liquid Rush III" by Niki Gulley

12" x 9” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6 - Geysir and Waterfalls on the Golden Circle

This afternoon, we stopped by the Geysir for the photographers to capture the thermal explosion of water and steam, which explodes about every 5 minutes. So much fun to watch! After that, we finished the day with - you guessed it! One more waterfall. Slightly off the beaten path, these cascades rush over rocky cliffs to empty into this massive river valley that will eventually flow out to sea. Nestled amongst wildflowers dancing in the breeze and a cooling mist filling the air from the surge of the falls, this location was truly peaceful and rejuvenating.

I hope you can feel nature's rush restoring your soul, too!

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

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

***

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

We will be returning to the gorgeous Swiss Alps and Tuscany in 2027. These Treks are amazing adventures to explore new cultures and be a part of what makes traveling expand your world and enrich your life. Whether you're a painter, a photographer, food lover or just want to travel in small, friendly groups, this is the trip for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join in the fun as our trips fill up quickly!

Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026

Waitlist Available

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027

A Few Spots Left! 

 

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.

***

Iceland’s Gorgeous Waterfalls - Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

 

    

"Cascading V" ©2026 Niki Gulley

9" x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6 - The Golden Circle

On the sixth day of our Iceland Art Trek, we toured several scenes along the Golden Circle drive, north of Reykavik. In the morning, we hiked back to these beautiful falls that empty into this gorgeous pool of turquoise churning water. I was pleased with the results and really enjoyed the peaceful falls. 

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

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

 ***

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

We will be returning to the gorgeous Swiss Alps and Tuscany in 2027. These Treks are amazing adventures to explore new cultures and be a part of what makes traveling expand your world and enrich your life. Whether you're a painter, a photographer, food lover or just want to travel in small, friendly groups, this is the trip for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join in the fun as our trips fill up quickly!

Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026

Waitlist Available

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027

A Few Spots Left! 

 

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.

Iceland Painting and Photography Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Ice Drift" by Niki Gulley

SOLD • 9" x 12” textured oil painting

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 5 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

After enjoying the gentle beauty in Southern Iceland, we worked our way around the country counterclockwise and visited the frozen lagoons and icebergs in the east next. Uniquely shaped large ice chunks float along gorgeous turquoise waters as they drift out to sea. Each one has a distinct shape and color that make them fascinating to watch. This afternoon, I set out to capture this rather interesting square ice piece with aqua blue diagonal ridges running through it. I pulled in fairly tightly so you could focus on its design and then I painted in a glimpse of the mountain behind it to give you a sense of scale. Meanwhile, the water below becomes slightly blurry as the ice chunks slowly drift by and we are caught up in the mesmerizing moment. 

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

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

***

 If you're a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks. Spaces fill up quickly, so let us know if you're interested in this once in a lifetime experience!

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for 

Artists, Foodies & Travelers

_________________________________________________

Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026

Waitlist Available

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027

A Few Spots Left! 

 

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 Iceland with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

  

9" x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 5 - Southeast Corner

On Day 5 of our Iceland Art Trek, Scott drove the photographers to visit the glacier lagoons. Meanwhile, we stayed back and painted on the beautiful grounds of our hotel. Of course, five painting locations into our Iceland Art Trek and we were getting spoiled with the idyllic weather. So, Mother Nature had other plans today and we encountered a fair amount of fog and mist. Not to worry, I had a plan! We were able to gather on our hotel deck and capture the ethereal view from there while enjoying some hot tea and coffee.

Here you can see just how massive these volcanic mountains are in comparison to the tiny houses below. Again, the mist shrouds the top of the mountain and you get the sense of living in the clouds. May you enjoy the peace and respite in this one.

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

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

***

 If you're a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks. Spaces fill up quickly, so let us know if you're interested in this once in a lifetime experience!

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for 

Artists, Foodies & Travelers

_________________________________________________

Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026

Waitlist Available

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027

A Few Spots Left! 

 

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.

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

****

Iceland Painting and Photography Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

9" x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 4 - Vatnajokull National Park

The next morning, we headed further east to the Vatnjokull National Park. Here we had several hours to hike and photograph the exotic scenery and another amazing waterfall before our drive to our hotel located near the glacier lagoons.

Iceland offers so many dramatic shifts in its terrain. Land of fire and ice! Today we encountered both, and so we set out to capture that contrast. Starting near a “dormant” volcanic area (at least the guide claimed it is only erupts every 40 years), below you can see the lava rock formations and above that the glacier arises through the mist. At least when we started painting we could see the icy top, but as fog does it continued to roll into our scene and obliterate our upper view. Glad we got it captured in our under painting before it disappeared!

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

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

***

 If you're a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks. Spaces fill up quickly, so let us know if you're interested in this once in a lifetime experience!

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for 

Artists, Foodies & Travelers

_________________________________________________

Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026

Waitlist Available

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027

A Few Spots Left! 

 

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.

***

 NikiGulley.com