Month: August 2014

“Autumn Symphony” pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

August 29, 2014

“Autumn Symphony” ©2014 Niki Gulley
Pastel • 24” x 36”

This is a quiet, protected creek by our house that I like escaping to when I need a break from city life. On this perfect autumn day, there was the gentlest of breezes rustling the leaves, the vibrant fall foliage was at its peak and the only sounds to be heard came from the trickling of the nearby waterfall and the birds’ sweet melodies.

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information about “Autumn Symphony.”
Please visit my website at NikiGulley.com  to see more of my pastels and oil paintings of contemporary landscapes.

Day 7, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

August 27, 2014
9″ x 12″ textured oil painting by Niki Gulley • SOLD
Day 7, Provence Art Trek: 
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Provence Art Trek, we decided to stay right at our b and b to paint since it was so beautiful. Meanwhile the photographers explored the nearby area, and others relaxed with a morning massage at a nearby spa. Choosing what to paint was a challenge since the grounds are so picturesque. Myself and another painter set up our easels by this lovely lavender-lined Provencal home, while another chose to paint the rose-filled courtyard and another set up by the ancient Roman bridge on the back of the property. It was a gorgeous morning and everyone’s paintings turned out great!

For lunch we headed into the nearby hill town, grabbed a delicious snack and had time to explore the back alleys and hike up to the town’s fortress with panorama views of the sweeping valleys and countryside.
If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year’s trip to Provence, June 25th – July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year’s trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.
Upcoming Art Treks 
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015
New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014
Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015
The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015
 Provence, France – June 25 – July 3, 2014

Day 7, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

August 25, 2014
9″ x 12″ textured oil painting by Niki Gulley • SOLD
Day 7, Provence Art Trek: 
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Provence Art Trek, we decided to stay right at our b and b to paint since it was so beautiful. Meanwhile the photographers explored the nearby area, and others relaxed with a morning massage at a nearby spa. Choosing what to paint was a challenge since the grounds are so picturesque. Myself and another painter set up our easels by this lovely lavender-lined Provencal home, while another chose to paint the rose-filled courtyard and another set up by the ancient Roman bridge on the back of the property. It was a gorgeous morning and everyone’s paintings turned out great!

For lunch we headed into the nearby hill town, grabbed a delicious snack and had time to explore the back alleys and hike up to the town’s fortress with panorama views of the sweeping valleys and countryside.
If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year’s trip to Provence, June 25th – July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year’s trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.
Upcoming Art Treks 
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015
New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014
Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015
The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015
 Provence, France – June 25 – July 3, 2014

Day 6, Provence Art Trek – Visiting the Luberon Hill Towns

August 22, 2014
“Abbey de Senanque,” Provence ©2014 Niki Gulley
5″ x 7″ oil painting
 
Day 6, Provence Art Trek: the Luberon
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
After a peaceful day in the countryside, we headed to the Luberon hill towns today. Starting our journey at the Abbey de Senanque. some of our group toured the twelfth century sanctuary’s interior, while others painted and photographed the lavender fields and grounds surrounding the abbey. Next we traveled to the red and gold colored town of Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs. Filled with picturesque views, art galleries, restaurants and interesting shops, everyone enjoyed having some free time to wander before we took off for the Pont Julien bridge. The Roman bridge, dating from 3 BC and constructed without mortar, is an architectural marvel that was still driven on until 2005! After surveying the bridge, we sampled some more local wines and headed back to our b and b. Dinner that night was traditional Provencal fare, including fresh vegetables, fish, meats, and goat cheeses loaded with delicious sauces, garlic and butter. Yum!

If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year’s trip to Provence, June 25th – July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year’s trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015
New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014
Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015
The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015
 Provence, France – June 25 – July 3, 2014

Day 5, Provence Art Trek – Lavender and Sunflower Fields

August 20, 2014
“Sunny Days,” Provence ©2014 Niki Gulley
9″ x 12″ textured oil painting
 
Day 5, Provence Art Trek: 
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the fifth day of our Provence Art Trek, we set up our easels in this gorgeous lavender and sunflower field. The color and aroma explosion were out of this world – a painter’s and photographer’s dream come true. Words can’t even describe how special that moment was!

If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year’s trip to Provence, June 25th – July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year’s trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.
Upcoming Art Treks 
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015
New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014
Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015
The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015
 Provence, France – June 25 – July 3, 2014

Day 5, Provence Art Trek – Lavender and Sunflower Fields

August 18, 2014
“Sunny Days,” Provence ©2014 Niki Gulley
9″ x 12″ textured oil painting
 
Day 5, Provence Art Trek: 
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the fifth day of our Provence Art Trek, we set up our easels in this gorgeous lavender and sunflower field. The color and aroma explosion were out of this world – a painter’s and photographer’s dream come true. Words can’t even describe how special that moment was!

If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year’s trip to Provence, June 25th – July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year’s trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015
New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014
Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015
The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015
 Provence, France – June 25 – July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 4, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

August 17, 2014
“Place de Albertas,” Aix, France ©2014 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 9″ x 12″ oil painting
 
Day 4, Provence Art Trek: Aix-en-Provence
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 

with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Today we checked out of our hotel and headed to Provence’s cultural hub and Cezanne’s home, Aix-en-Provence. After visiting its famous Cours Mirabeau boulevard, lined with cafés and plane trees, its morning produce market and some of its 15th-17th century built buildings, we parted from the photographers and set up our easels at this picturesque fountain courtyard. Having several hours to paint, we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful day and each painter’s unique view of the scene. Some focused on the fountain, while others on the architecture and some on the nearby cafés. Everyone’s painting turned out great!

Painting in Aix-en-Provence

Next, we headed deep into the lavender country to our picturesque b and b, where we spent the rest of the trip. And, of course we completed the day with another delicious meal!
Our b&b

If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year’s trip to Provence, June 25th – July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year’s trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015
New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014
Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015
The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015
 Provence, France – June 25 – July 3, 2014

Day 3, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

August 13, 2014
Day 3, Provence Art Trek: Les Baux / Chateauneuf
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the third day of our Provence Art Trek, we visited the picturesque town of Les Baux, perched atop  its rocky outcropping with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside below. Everyone had time to visit the castle, galleries, shops and even sketch off a quick watercolor for some of our painters. In the afternoon we went to one of the most renowned wine towns in the world and sampled some amazing Chateaunef du Pape wines. Dinner that night was again delicious and set in the most beautiful courtyard on a perfect 70 degree evening!

If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year’s trip to Provence, June 25th – July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year’s trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015
New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014
Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015
The French Riviera – June 16-26, 2015
 Provence, France – June 25 – July 3, 2014

Day 2, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

August 11, 2014
“Secret Garden,” Provence ©2014 Niki Gulley
12″ x 9″ oil painting

Day 2, Provence Art Trek:
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the second day of our Provence Art Trek, half of our group stayed and painted at our picturesque hotel, while the other half visited the Montmajour Abbey built starting in the tenth century A.D. While the light was a little tricky to capture going in and out of the clouds, we thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful morning painting in a quintessential Provence courtyard.

Photo by Sheri Jones
That afternoon, we visited the ancient Roman city of Arles, marveling at its in tact amphitheater from 90 AD, triumphal arch, and ancient theater, while retracing the footsteps of Van Gogh and seeing his colorful vision of rather ordinary painting locations.

That night, we feasted on mussels, sea bream, various meat dishes and mouth-watering pastries at an award-winning restaurant. Bon Appetit!

If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year’s trip to Provence, June 25th – July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year’s trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 
New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 
Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 
The French Riviera – June 16-25, 2015
 Provence, France – June 25 – July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.

Day 1, Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

August 8, 2014


Day 1, Provence Art Trek:
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the first day of our Provence Art Trek, we headed to our picturesque hotel outside of Arles, unpacked, relaxed and went into town for our first wine tasting of the trip. Sampling some tasty local vintages, we walked nearby to a Michelin-rated restaurant for dinner, which was straight out of an impressionist painting (see below)!

Our meal was out of this world, too, with incredibly creative twists on classic French cuisine. Everyone enjoyed the food, wine, company and a perfect evening outside. A great way to start the trip!

If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops listed below, please let me know. We are taking reservations for next year’s trip to Provence, June 25th – July 3rd, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This year’s trip filled up in less than a week! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks 
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014 • Sept. 2015 
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014 • Sept. 2015 
New Orleans, LA – Oct. 22-26, 2014 
Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 7-14, 2015 
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 7-16, 2015 
The French Riviera – June 16-25, 2015
 Provence, France – June 25 – July 3, 2014

Please visit NikiGulley.com (www.NikiGulley.com) to see more of my impressionistic plein air oil paintings.