“Painting Outside the Lines” Workshop with Niki Gulley

“Soaring on a Dream,” ©2012 Niki Gulley

18″ x 24″ textured oil painting 

I wanted this painting to be full of joy and energy, reminiscent of a simpler time. Working with palette knife, I moved thick oil paint around in long sweeping circular strokes to add to that feeling of movement and excitment, while choosing vivid primary colors to communicate a time of youth, innocence and freedom.

If you would like to paint with more freedom, color and energy in your work, join me on Nov. 2nd – 4th when I’ll be teaching a “Painting Outside the Lines” workshop sponsored by the Good Art Company in Fredericksburg, TX. For more information, visit goodartcompany.com/gacart/index.php?.

If you’d like more information about my upcoming workshops in the US and Europe, visit nikigulley.com/artreks.

New “Plein Air Painting Landscapes” Class sponsored by the Dallas Arboretum

“Golden Moment” ©2012 Niki Gulley
12″ x 24″ pastel
I painted this pastel at the Dallas Arboretum last fall to capture the gorgeous fall colors, and the mysterious long shadows cast by the sun as it was nearing sunset. I loved the vivid reds and oranges of the foliage, and the way the sun was causing those colors to glow along with the highlights on the path.
If you ‘d like to learn how to paint on location, or just improve your skills, please join me at the Dallas Arboretum for my upcoming Plein Air Painting class on Oct. 24th. To register, go to dallasarboretum.org/AdultEducation/CreativeArts.htm.
Visit nikigulley.com/artreks/ for upcoming Art Treks and Workshops or
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.For new classes and workshops in Texas this fall, see nikigulley.com/art-classes.

Plein-Air Painting Workshop with Niki Gulley – Day 6, Monet’s Gardens

Monet’s Gardens, Giverny, France • 9” x 12″ oil painting by Niki Gulley
Day 6 – Art Trek Paris with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Between loving the picturesque setting and the excitement of painting in Monet’s footsteps, we were inspired to keep creating. With the sun almost overhead but softly filtered by the trees, the colors and reflections on the pond looked completely different than in the early hours, just as Monet’s canvases varied so much depending on the time of day and month he painted. We adjusted our colors accordingly and increased our contrast from the noon sun, and then relished in the moment. What a perfect day!
Monet’s Gardens, Giverny, France

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If you would like to come along on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshops to
Santa Fe, NM Aug. 12 – 18 (see nikigulley.com/art-classes) or
 Tuscany, Italy Aug. 31 – Sept. 8 (visit nikigulley.com/artreks),
please e-mail Niki Gulley for more information. Registration deadlines are quickly approaching. We’d love to have you join us!

***Or, if you would like to see this painting or more my plein air paintings and you are in the Chicago area this weekend, please stop by my booth at the Gold Coast Art Fair in Grant Park.Gold Coast ARt Fair

June 30 & July 1 • 10am – 6pm
Chicago, IL • Grant Park at the corner of Monroe & Lake Shore Dr.

See amdurproductions.com/art-festivals/Gold_Coast_Art_Fair_at_Grant_Park.html for more info.

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Plein Air Painting at White Rock Lake

 

5″ x 7″ textured oil painting, White Rock Lake, by Niki Gulley

Dallas Plein Air Painting Workshop with Niki Gulley
Day 2 – Afternoon Location:  Sunset Bay, White Rock Lake

In the afternoon at White Rock Lake, we switched locations to find better light on our subjects. Everyone was drawn to this peaceful bay and the vibrant fall colors. Even though every painter basically sketched the same scene, it was fun seeing each artist’s individual style come thorugh. With just a short amount of time left at the end of the day, I quickly captured the lake, shoreline and autumn foliage with a palette knife and my leftover paint before starting our critique.
A perfect ending to our plein air painting workshop at the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake – sharing our work from each day with new friends after a gorgeous weekend of painting outside. Thanks guys!

If you’d like more information about my upcoming workshops in the US and Europe, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13.

 

Or, to see more of my local Dallas and travel paintings, please stop by the Bath House Cultural Center this weekend for my last show of the year, Nov. 18th – 20th. dallasculture.org/bathhouseculturecenter/index.asp

Plein Air Painting at White Rock Lake

9″ x 12″ oil painting, White Rock Lake, by Niki Gulley

Dallas Plein Air Painting Workshop with Niki Gulley
Day 2 – Morning Location: White Rock Lake

On the second day of our plein-air painting workshop, we enjoyed a beautiful morning at White Rock Lake. Focusing on capturing water and the morning light, each painter picked a different vantage point, some choosing only natural subjects and others depicting sailboats on the horizon. I chose to paint these colorful boats largely for their vibrant colors and I liked how the line of the pier leads your eye back to the docked vessels. With a gentle breeze, the water had a little movement and shimmer to it that I suggested along with the vibrant foliage in this peaceful inlet. A perfect autumn morning!
Morning paintings at White Rock Lake.
If you’d like more information about my upcoming workshops in the US and Europe, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13.

Or, to see more of my local Dallas and travel paintings, please stop by the Bath House Cultural Center for my last show of the year, Nov. 18th – 20th. dallasculture.org/bathhouseculturecenter/index.asp

Adult Art Classes with Niki Gulley

“Scenic Route” ©2010 Niki Gulley
Oil on canvas • 20” x 60”

My husband and I love exploring the back roads whenever we’re en route somewhere. We always discover such interesting places and the scenery is so much more picturesque than along the highway. It’s fun to slow down and enjoy the journey with no agenda, which is what I had in mind when I painted “Scenic Route,” a leisurely drive down memory lane.

If interested in purchasing this painting, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com

If you’d like to learn how to paint and draw, join me this fall in my adult art classes, “Playing with Color.” Most of the spaces are full, but I still have room for a couple more in the Wednesday 12:30-2:30 class starting Oct. 13th. Visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13 for more information.