Last Chicago art show this weekend

“Afternoon Shadows” Gilson Park, Chicago, IL ©2010 Niki Gulley
Pastel • 10” x 8”

I used to love going for a Sunday drive with my family when I was a kid. Sometimes we’d head to this park, which ran along Lake Michigan on a perfect autumn afternoon. We’d park and walk along the beach until we got to where the boats were docked, and then we’d wander onto the Bahaii Temple, with its amazing architecture and intricate carved ivory details, before we’d double back. In Afternoon Shadows, I wanted to depict a beautiful autumn day when the leaves are turning, there’s a slight chill in the air, the afternoon sun is casting mysterious long shadows and you can just make out the top of the temple in the distance, all while reminiscing about a simpler time and place.

To see “Afternoon Shadows” in person, stop by my booth at the Oakbrook Fine Art Invitational this weekend in Oakbrook, II. For more information on the show, go to oakbrookcenter.com/events/48th-annual-invitational-fine-art-exhibition.

Oakbrook Fine Art Invitational – this weekend

“Sounds of Autumn” ©2010 Niki Gulley
Pastel • 14” x 11”

The Chicago Botanic Garden is always beautiful, but in this pastel I wanted to capture it on a perfect autumn day when the native grasses and fall foliage have turned their vibrant autumn colors. I like this view looking across the peaceful lake towards the carillon chiming in the distance, playing in time with the trickling sounds of the wind flickering the fall leaves.

If you’re in the Chicago area, stop by my booth at the Oakbrook Fine Art Invitational to see “Sounds of Autumn” and more of my recent paintings. oakbrookcenter.com

To learn how to paint with pastels, join me in my Adult Art Lessons, Playing with Color, this fall. Classes fill up quickly, so visit my classes tab for more information.

Or, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com to register or with any questions.

Nightfall III, Chicago pastel

“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.

Nightfall II, Chicago pastel

“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.

Frosted Sunrise

“Frosted Sunrise” ©2009 Niki Gulley
14″ x 11″ acrylic