Painting on Murano, Italy with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

Murano, Italy ©2025 Niki Gulley
9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
Venice Carnivalé Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams – Day 4
 

Finding a place to paint on Murano is somewhat challenging. With shop after shop, it is mostly geared up to promote its famous glass to visitors. So, I find it lacks some of the charm of Venice and Murano. But, I did really like this ornate bridge near the glass factory.  Beautiful afternoon light raked across the scene and highlighted one lone boat parked underneath. Then, I just had to hope that no one decided to row it away, which is always one of the challenges when you are plein-air painting. But, the boat gods worked in my favor today and I was able to capture everything just in time!

 
 
 
***
We are excited to announce a new Art Trek for next year, where you will feel like you’ve stepped into a different time and world, like right out of a movie set. We’re elated to be returning to Venice, Italy in February 2026 for the costumed fantasy that occurs during Carnival. We’re already about half full, so let us know if you’d like to come along. 
 
And, while our Switzerland Trek is completely booked this month, we actually have 2 spots open in our Tuscany Foodie Trek this coming September. Always everyone’s favorite trip, please let us know if you would like to join us on that delicious gastronomic journey!
 

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spots Left!
 
Carnivalé Art Trek – Venice, Italy 2026 
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings – Aug. 9th

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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-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.
 
***

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

 
To see more of Niki Gulley’s contemporary textured landscape paintings, please visit nikigulley.com.
 
For more information, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
 

 

 

Painting Venice Canals with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 


12″ x 9″ textured oil painting by Niki Gulley
 
Venice Art Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 2, Doge’s Palace and Painting the back canals
 
On the second day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop, we visited the Doge’s Palace, in all of its glory and were awed by its impressive art collection by Italian masters. Taking the “Secret Tour” we learned about parts of the Palace that you can’t normally see, including the prisons, the torture room and stories of Casanova.
 

 

That afternoon I took my painters to one of the back canals in Venice. With it being Carnival, there was a steady stream of gondolas rowing past us. At one point, a live violinist drifted by playing the most beautiful tune that echoed off the buildings. What a magical moment! I tried to capture it on video for you, but it gets lost in the ambient noise. I feel like we were able to capture that feeling in our paintings, though!

 
Check out the video here: https://www.facebook.com/niki.gulley/videos/925363725488223.
 

***

To see more of my contemporary textured landscape paintings, please visit nikigulley.com.
 
For more information on my Venice and other travel paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

***
 
We are excited to announce a new Art Trek for next year, where you will feel like you’ve stepped into a different time and world, like right out of a movie set. We’re elated to be returning to Venice, Italy in February 2026 for the costumed fantasy that occurs during Carnival. We’re already about half full, so let us know if you’d like to come along. 
 
And, while our Switzerland Trek is completely booked this month, we actually have 2 spots open in our Tuscany Foodie Trek this coming September. Always everyone’s favorite trip, please let us know if you would like to join us on that delicious gastronomic journey!
 

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spots Left!
 
Carnivalé Art Trek – Venice, Italy 2026 
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings – Aug. 9th

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
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-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.

Miles of Lavender Fields Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

  

“Channeling Cezanne” ©2025 Niki Gulley
12″ x 9″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
Provence Art Trek – Painting and Photography Workshop
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
Day 1 
 
On the first night of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in southern France, we arrived at our B and B and went into town that evening for an amazing dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant. The food was out of this world, the weather was perfect for dining outside, and our new group was great company!
 
 
The next morning, our painters stayed at our b and b and painted right there since the grounds were so beautiful. I loved how the typical Provencal trees framed the composition and I could get a real sense for Cezanne’s love of the landscape. Meanwhile, the photographers visited a nearby 11th century Abbey and took some incredible photographs. We met up later that day and headed to the nearby town of Arles for lunch.
 
***

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.

 
 
***

 

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionist oil paintings.

Miles of Lavender Fields Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

  

“Fragrant Fields” ©2025 Niki Gulley
16″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas by Niki Gulley
 
My husband and I recently were teaching and leading an Art Trek in Provence, and we were able to spend a couple of extra days exploring the area before everyone joined us. While in pursuit of the perfect lavender crop to paint and photograph, we came across this gorgeous field. The flowers were just breathtaking and stretched for what seemed like miles. Finding a tiny bit of shade, I set up my easel and went to work capturing all of that royal glory. And, it was a good thing I painted it when I did because the following week, my shade tree was roped off! I hope you, too, can experience the beauty of this joyful place.
 

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionist oil paintings.

 

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured lavender paintings.

 

***
 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***

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.

 

Visiting Siena, Italy – Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

   

“Tunnel of Light,” Siena, Italy
 12″ x 9″ oil painting by Niki Gulley

 

Day 3:  TUSCANY ART TREK – Siena
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 

On the third day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we visited the Medieval hill town of Siena, with its incredible marble Duomo, great people-watching plaza, and interesting alleyways radiating out from the campo with something new to discover around every turn. While some of our group shopped, some photographed and others relaxed on the square, I set up in one of the quiet cobble streets to capture the textures of these ancient walls and mood of this unique city. For dinner that night, we treated ourselves to a delicious home-made Italian meal of pastas, truffles, pecorino cheese and some amazing red wine!

A mid-afternoon gelato break!
 
 
 
If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

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

 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

 

***
 
E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information.
 

Palette Knife Painter Niki Gulley Paints Covered Bridges

 

 
“Covered Drive” ©2024 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 9″  x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 
 

Just Sold! We have landed in New York, about an hour from Buffalo, in Scott’s hometown. The fall leaves are just barely turning colors and the temps are in the 70s. Beautiful! 

 
Our first stop – Scott played a round of golf with old friends and since the grounds were so pretty, I decided to set up my easel at the golf course. So, here is my first painting of a covered bridge. This was a great introduction to more covered bridges to come!
 
 

To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

“Autumn Hideaway” by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

    

“Autumn Hideaway”  ©2022 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 16″ x 20″ textured oil painting 
 
Just Sold! After we finished teaching our Art Trek to Vermont, my husband and I stayed another few days to try to capture the gorgeous scenery on canvas and film. This morning, we ventured up to the majestic overlook by the Von Trapp property to capture the spectacular scenery. I loved how this cabin was perfectly tucked into the mountainside surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. The slightly overcast day made the colors pop even more! I hope you, too, can enjoy the crisp autumn air and a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life.
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

“Curves and Shadows” from Santorini, Greece by Niki Gulley

 

“Curves and Shadows” © 2020 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 12″ x 9″ oil painting on panel

Just Sold! On the sixth day of our Greece Art Trek, the sky darkened and the winds picked up so we decided to paint in a more sheltered spot. So setting up on our balcony, we chose to paint a vignette of the white-washed stucco and simple architectural lines and curves. At a couple of points, we even got some soft sunlight to give our subject subtle highlights and shadows, which we painted quickly as the light was quite fleeting. 

 

E-mail – Niki Gulley.
 

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

To see more of my travel paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com
 
***
 
If you’re a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks. We still have 2 spaces left in our Art Trek to Greece next May!
 
 
 
Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!
 
For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

 

Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley Paints Iceland’s Enchanting Coast

      

 
“Protected Cove” 9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on panel by Niki Gulley
 

 

For my last Iceland painting, the skies parted, the rain lifted and the wind all but disappeared. It turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous 70 degree sunshine-filled day. The way the light hit this peaceful cove, I just had to capture the beauty of the moment, vowing to return despite our week! I hope you, too, can feel the joy and tranquility of this magical land.
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 

 

***
 

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

 
***
 
If you’re a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks!
 
 
 
Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spaces Left!
 
For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

Plein Air Painting in Iceland with Artist Niki Gulley

     

 
9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on panel by Niki Gulley
 

 

Today the painters in our Art Treks group stayed right on the beautiful grounds of our hotel to paint the dramatic scenery. Meanwhile, our photographers and tourists went off exploring. We had the day all to ourselves with the exception of the curious hotel staff, who loved our paintings so much, they featured us on their Instagram page!
 
For our second painting that day, I chose this relaxing view from our patio. The Atlantic sits in the distance and the two chairs invite you to have a seat, take in nature’s beauty and leave all of your worries behind.
 
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 

 

***
 

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

 
***
 
If you’re a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks!
 
 
 
Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!
 
For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.