Teaching Painting and Photography in Switzerland with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

  

 
“Alpine Sanctuary” ©2026 Niki Gulley
12” x 9” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 
 
Day 1: Switzerland Art Trek
Plein Air Painting and Photo Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
My husband and I just got back from leading the most amazing workshop in Switzerland with jaw-dropping scenery around every corner! Once everyone arrived at our hotel, we stayed close to home the first day. With a chance of rain, we actually painted the beautiful scenery from the front deck of our hotel since we had a nice, large covered area to keep us dry. The cutest white church was in perfect view, so that’s what most of us landed on for our subject. With a beautiful mountain backdrop and colorful plantings out front, it turned out to be the ideal subject. I hope you can hear those bells ringing out the top of the hour and echoing through the valley.
 
 
 

For details on more of my Switzerland and travel paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

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

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

 

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

We will be returning to the gorgeous Swiss Alps in 2027. These Treks are amazing adventures to explore new cultures and be a part of what makes traveling expand your world and enrich your life. Whether you’re a painter, a photographer, food lover or just want to travel in small, friendly groups, this is the trip for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join in the fun as our trips fill up quickly! 

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

Cinque Terre, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-2026/

Spain Foodie Trek 
March 13-20, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/spain-foodie-2024/

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – Aug. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2027/

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 25 – Oct. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2027/

 

 
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.
 

  

Challenges of Painting in Switzerland with NC Artist Niki Gulley

  

 
“Alpine Expressions II” ©2026 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 20” X 10” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 
 
Just Sold! Painting in Switzerland. while beautiful and inspiring, presented a new bunch of challenges. One of which was the unpredictability of mountain weather and the consistent threat of rain. Which, when you’re working in a water-based medium like acrylics, is really not good for the painting! Fortunately, I have a husband is sympathetic to the creative process as he is an artist/ photographer also.
 
Go back a couple of years and Scott was shooting this dramatic waterfall in Iceland in crazy winds and rain. I was doing my best to hold the umbrella over his camera gear so he could get the beautiful shot. Now come full circle here in Switzerland and he returned the favor by protecting my painting in the drizzle. Teamwork!!!
 
 
 

For details on more of my Switzerland and travel paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

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

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

 

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

We will be returning to the gorgeous Swiss Alps in 2027. These Treks are amazing adventures to explore new cultures and be a part of what makes traveling expand your world and enrich your life. Whether you’re a painter, a photographer, food lover or just want to travel in small, friendly groups, this is the trip for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join in the fun as our trips fill up quickly! 

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

Cinque Terre, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-2026/

Spain Foodie Trek 
March 13-20, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/spain-foodie-2024/

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – Aug. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2027/

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 25 – Oct. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2027/

 

 
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.
 

  

Switzerland Art Trek Taught by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

  

“Lauterbrunnen” ©2026 Niki Gulley
12” x 9” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 
 
Day 2: Switzerland Art Trek – Lauterbrunnen
Plein Air Painting and Photo Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
An amazing group and beautiful day painting on our Switzerland Art Trek! Especially since the weather report was predicting rain, rain and more rain. I love that we have 3 different mediums – pastel, watercolor and acrylic, and everyone has their own style and viewpoint even though we’re painting the same scene. Our subject today was this picturesque church in the quaint town of Lauterbrunnen. Surrounded by beautiful mountains with waterfalls cascading down the cliff faces, it doesn’t get much more picturesque than this!
 
 
 

For details on more of my Switzerland and travel paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

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

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

 

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

We will be returning to the gorgeous Swiss Alps in 2027. These Treks are amazing adventures to explore new cultures and be a part of what makes traveling expand your world and enrich your life. Whether you’re a painter, a photographer, food lover or just want to travel in small, friendly groups, this is the trip for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join in the fun as our trips fill up quickly! 

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

Cinque Terre, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-2026/

Spain Foodie Trek 
March 13-20, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/spain-foodie-2024/

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – Aug. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2027/

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 25 – Oct. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2027/

 

 
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.
 

  

Niki Gulley Paints the Dramatic Scenery in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

  

 
“Swiss Splendor” ©2026 Niki Gulley
20” X 16” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 
 
What a day painting and photographing in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland! The weather seemed ok to start so we thought we’d venture over to the next town to capture the dramatic scenery. As we ascended into the clouds on the gondola ride, we started second guessing that decision as we couldn’t see 2 feet in front of us through the fog!

Luckily on our descent into town, the rain stopped and there were actually patches of blue sky. So glad we persevered as it turned out to be a beautiful morning and absolutely stunning location. Add in a few church bells echoing through the canyon just to add to the magic of the moment.

To see me painting this one and even here the church bells, visit https://www.instagram.com/p/DMqBr7DoyYo/.
 
 
 

For details on more of my Switzerland and travel paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

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

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

 ***

 

 

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

We will be returning to the gorgeous Swiss Alps in 2027. These Treks are amazing adventures to explore new cultures and be a part of what makes traveling expand your world and enrich your life. Whether you’re a painter, a photographer, food lover or just want to travel in small, friendly groups, this is the trip for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join in the fun as our trips fill up quickly! 

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

Cinque Terre, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-2026/

Spain Foodie Trek 
March 13-20, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/spain-foodie-2024/

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – Aug. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2027/

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 25 – Oct. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2027/

 

 
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 the Swiss Alps with Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

 

 
“Alpine Expressions” ©2026 Niki Gulley
 
20” X 10” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 
 
What a gorgeous day painting in Switzerland!!! The scenery is so stunning it barely looks real. This was the breathtaking view behind our hotel that I just had to capture. I love the Swiss chalets and those snow-capped mountains that defy gravity. Working with palette knife and thick layers of paint, I set out to recreate that beauty as best I could on a 20″ x 10″ canvas. I hope you are uplifted and all of your cares melt away gazing into this idyllic spot.
 

For details on more of my Switzerland and travel paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

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

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

 ***

 
 

 

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

We will be returning to the gorgeous Swiss Alps in 2027. These Treks are amazing adventures to explore new cultures and be a part of what makes traveling expand your world and enrich your life. Whether you’re a painter, a photographer, food lover or just want to travel in small, friendly groups, this is the trip for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join in the fun as our trips fill up quickly! 

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

Cinque Terre, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-2026/

Spain Foodie Trek 
March 13-20, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/spain-foodie-2024/

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – Aug. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2027/

Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 25 – Oct. 2, 2027
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2027/

 

 
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.
 

 

Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley Painting in Tuscany

 

 
“Rosy Retreat II” ©2026 Niki Gulley
18″ x 18″ textured acrylic painting on canvas 
 
I couldn’t resist painting in this beautiful rose garden in Tuscany. I was attracted to these bountiful climbing roses framing the villa in the distance as they stretched across this arched trellis. May you be transported to this beautiful, happy place!
 
 

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

 

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

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
 

 

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

 

“Ruby Road” Palette Knife Poppy Painting by Niki Gulley

 

“Ruby Road” ©2022 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 12″ x 16” textured oil painting

I absolutely love it when I come across a whole field of wildflowers – there is something about the transformation of a single dainty flower into a dense explosion of color that inspires awe and delights your senses. Inspired by our travels to Italy, cypress trees rise out of the vast open landscape signaling that you have arrived in Tuscany! Perched on a hilltop with its long curving driveway, this villa is set against the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Rows of ruby blooms draw your eye back to the rolling hills and beautiful billowing clouds. Painted with palette knife and thick oil paint, this canvas is loaded with movement, color and dimension.

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

 

 

 
 
***
 
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.

 

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

Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley Paints Water Lilies

    

“Tuscany Oasis” ©2026 Niki Gulley
10″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
Is this just about the most beautiful setting you could imagine? Castle – check. Cypress trees – check. Water lilies – check. Surrounded by beautiful roes all around – check. Set against a gorgeous blue sky on a warm, sunny day – check. I don’t think this one needs any explanation as to why I had to paint it! All I have to say is I hope you, too, are transported to this magical wonderland.
 
 
 
•••
 

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

 

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

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

***
 
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 Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

“Misty Morning,” Tuscany ©2022 Niki Gulley
16″ x 20″ textured oil painting
 

SOLD! On this morning in Tuscany, we decided to get up really early so that we could capture sunrise over this beautiful valley. The hills were surrounded by a layer of mist that created this ethereal, peaceful quality to the morning. I really liked how the fog accentuated the miles and miles of rolling landscape, perfectly off-setting the villa surrounded by cypress and olive groves in the foreground. While I’m not usually an early morning person, this turned out to be a very inspiring moment!

To see more of my paintings from Tuscany, visit nikigulley.com.

 

 

***
 
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.

 

 

Visiting Vineyards and Wine Tasting with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

  

“Awaiting Harvest” ©2023 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 16″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 
 
 
In the above painting you can see an example of the vineyards dotting the hills of this Tuscan region. With the weather turning colder, you can see the first signs of fall as these colorful grapevines turn beautiful oranges and golds. I was attracted to the vibrant vines contrasted against the progressive miles of rolling hills dotted with more grapevines, olive trees, and plowed grain fields. The gorgeous, plump purple grapes were ready to harvest at any moment. Setting up my easel across from this vineyard, I began recreating the soft light that would break through the clouds and illuminate various hilltops and plantings. I arranged the vines to lead your eye back to the hill town and the beautiful countryside. I hope you can taste the delicious wine and escape to Tuscany with me!
 
Visit my shot at nikigulley.com/awaiting-harvest/ to purchase “Awaiting Harvest.”
 
 
 

 

***
 
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.