Niki Gulley

On the fourth day of our Greece Art Trek, we headed to the other end of the island, to the beautiful city of Oia. The painters chose to set up our easels by the lookout point at the edge of town, with some painting the windmills and skyline to our left while I chose this sprawling view of the city on the right. With a far more complicated scene, we had to allow a full afternoon and evening to capture the view. After so much white and blue architecture, I loved how several of the buildings were painted oranges, yellows and pinks contrasting agains the stark alabaster.

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On the third day of our Greece Art Trek, we flew to Santorini and gawked at the amazing view from our hotel overlooking the caldera. Our painters set up their easels right there since the scenery was so beautiful, while the photographers toured through town, shooting the white washed architecture and fantastic views of the ocean below. I chose this vantage of the potted succulent set against the vivid blue water and white stucco balcony. With several clouds in the sky, everything had a nice soft light that created subtle shadows, intense colors and a cool breeze, making it such a pleasant day to paint.

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On day one and two of our plein air painting and photography workshop in Greece, we landed in Athens and visited the Acropolis along with several other ancient sites. It was truly awe inspiring to see a part of history from the fifth century BC and to imagine what life must have been like as democracy was beginning. In the afternoon, us painters set up our easels on top of the beautiful balcony view from our hotel to paint the Parthenon while the photographers continued touring the city. In this oil painting, I wanted to capture a sense of scale with the Acropolis, and suggest how it rises above the city on this massive mound, towering majestically over the city, kissed by the clouds above.

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This lavender scene was inspired by our trip to Provence last year, and our fond memories of driving through the peaceful countryside, exploring quaint villages, and savoring the delicious provencal flavors.  When we came across this lavender field, the violet rows were so vibrant and fragrant, that I just had to paint the gorgeous setting. I was intrigued by how the majestic flowers were planted in such a way so as to lead your eye right to this one lone tree emerging from the purple expanse, and I had fun playing with the complimentary colors of the soil, crops and background to create energy and contrast.

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With “Colorful Transformation,” I wanted to focus on brilliant color and simple shapes to see if I could communicate the excitement I feel when surrounded by nature. Using energetic diagonal strokes and thick, textured paint, I hope you get a sense of the motion in the leaves and the power of nature to invigorate your spirit. I just love how this piece captured that essence!

If you would like to see “Colorful Transformation” and more of my textured oil paintings in person, please stop by my booth at the Wells Street Art Fair in downtown Chicago this weekend.

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If you would like to see my textured oil paintings in person, please stop by my booth at the Wells Street Art Fair in downtown Chicago this weekend.

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“Aqua Dreams” ©2013 Niki Gulley

36” x 60” textured oil on canvas

When we arrived at this tranquil spot, the early morning light was very cool in color, but as the sun began to rise from the horizon, it shone this beautiful warm light that shimmered on the water’s surface and cast its hope of what was to come from the brand new day. I remember the peacefulness I felt in that moment, and a sense that anything was possible. In Aqua Dreams, by showing the contrast in the cool aqua/blues in the foreground waters against the warm golden glow on the distant pond’s edge, I wanted to share that feeling of hope and promise communicated by nature.

If you would like to see my textured oil paintings in person, please stop by my booth at the Wells Street Art Fair in downtown Chicago this weekend.

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“Orchestrating Radiance” ©2013 Niki Gulley

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