art trek italy

Painting and Photographing Castles with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

February 26, 2026

Since I hand’t had my fill of castles yet, I painted yet another majestic fortress in Tuscany. Starting in the afternoon and continuing until it was almost too dark to see any longer, I captured the scene on canvas while Scott photographed the view as the sun was setting. I love the long winding cypress road inviting you to visit. Such a magical evening!

For details on more of my Tuscany or rose garden paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

To purchase “Lofty Perch,” go to https://www.nikigulley.com/lofty-perch/.

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Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had a couple of spots open up for our trip this September. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Spaces fill up quickly!

Iceland
August 3-10, 2026

Only 1 spot left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Tuscany Foodie Trek

September 26 – October 3, 2026

Only a couple spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026

Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Tuscany “Walled Garden” Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

April 16, 2025

SOLD • 12″ x 16″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Just sold! When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful plantings everywhere. I fell in love with these gorgeous geraniums lining their Italian stairway and the soft light illuminating this courtyard. With my palette knife, I set out to capture all of the different textures from the Roman stone wall to the cobble path to the brick accents. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

For details on more of my Tuscany or European paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

***

If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Painting Italian Textures by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

April 14, 2025

12″ x 16″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful plantings everywhere. I fell in love with these gorgeous geraniums lining their Italian stairway and the soft light illuminating this courtyard. With my palette knife, I set out to capture all of the different textures from the Roman stone wall to the cobble path to the brick accents. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

For details on more of my Tuscany or European paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

***

If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.