Bougainvillea Painting from Santorini by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

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

Santorini, Greece

Created on location in Santorini, Greece, this Bougainvillea vine was so gorgeous that I just had to paint it. Gently stretching to the sky and framing the doorway, this magenta beauty formed the perfect welcoming entrance. In the distance you can see the white-washed architecture with the church perched at the top of the hill and the blue Aegean stretching beyond. Step inside the portal and be transported to the most enchanting view where all of your cares slip away.

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New Santorini Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Winding Down," Santorini ©2025 Niki Gulley

12" x 9" textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

I painted this peaceful scene after we finished leading our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop in Santorini, Greece. Having loved taking in this view from our balcony for the past several days, I just had to capture that gorgeous overlook on canvas. With its beautiful white-washed buildings and the deep blue Aegean background, Santorini is one of the most romantic places we have visited. The table set for two invites you and your loved one to relax, enjoy a glass of wine and let all of your cares slip away. Paradise!

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

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

Day 6, Greece Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

SOLD • 12" x 9" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

On the last day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop in Greece, some folks shopped, some relaxed by the pool, others continued photographing. For our last painting, we just had to paint one of the white churches with its iconic blue dome. Sparkling dappled light danced along the textured ivory stucco, which was so much fun to capture in palette knife. Once again this beautiful sycamore framed the scene and I had to capture its beauty, too.

To cap off the evening, we treated ourselves to a delicious seafood dinner with another gorgeous view of the ocean, catching up with new friends and savoring our last night. A perfect ending to a perfect trip!

Dinner with an amazing view on our last night. 

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

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

12" x 9" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

On the last day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop in Greece, we chose to paint in this lovely quiet park near our hotel, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. With only a few locals passing through, we enjoyed the quiet, shaded escape. I loved their sycamore trees with their mottled bark, and this view framing the iconic white and blue architecture was perfect. Add a touch of the bougainvillea blooming in the foreground and I thought this summed up the beautiful feeling of Greece.

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***

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

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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!

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

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

 

Day 4, Greece Art Trek:  Afternoon Location - Oia, Santorini

SOLD • 12" x 9" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

That afternoon, we headed to the other end of the island, to the beautiful city of Oia. With so much beautiful scenery, it was hard to decide on a subject, but a couple of the painters chose this iconic view of the windmills and bleached architecture contrasted against the cobalt blue skies and waters below. Meanwhile the photographers climbed every nook and cranny in town in search for the perfect shot, and others chose to shop or relax with a snack, soaking in the gorgeous view over the caldera.

That evening we put down our brushes and let the photographers work on capturing the beautiful sunset, while we sat back and enjoyed the amazing view!

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

 

Day 4 - Greece Art Trek:  Imerovigli and Oia

9" x 12" textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

On day 4, we visited the town next door. So many interesting white washed buildings with unique shapes framing the beautiful ocean views! Today was definitely a study in whites and greys. It's amazing how even though the buildings look white, when you start really looking and painting them, only a few reflected edges were pure white and everything else was shades of grey. With palette knife, I was able to capture the texture and subtleties in the shading so as to create interest in the rather monochromatic scene. A fantastic learning day for my painters!

Enjoying a delicious lunch, fueling up in between painting and photography sessions!

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

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***

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.