Painting Lighthouse in Iceland with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

“Lighting the Way” ©2026 Niki Gulley
9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 2 – Vik

 

Scott and I absolutely love lighthouses. Beacons of hope. Lighting the way. Each one unique architecturally, honoring its heritage and traditions. So, on our Iceland Art Trek that we just led, our students and us were excited to set up our easels / tripods and capture this striking beauty perched high about the ocean on the south coast. It was a gorgeous day to paint – sunny and 70 degrees! In Iceland!!! So, we took full advantage of that. The sun rising on the horizon added another ray of hope, and I enjoyed playing one light source off the other. I hope you enjoy the view, too, and feel the warmth lighting your path!
 

 

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

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 two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2026. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

 
Tuscany Foodie Trek 
2 Spots Left!
 
Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026
Just A Few Spots left!
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027
Registration Now Open
 
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.

 

Waterfall Palette Knife Painting from Iceland by Niki Gulley

  

9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley
 
Iceland Art Trek – Plein-Air Painting and Photography Workshop
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 1 – Skogafoss

 

What a glorious way to start our Iceland Art Trek! First stop, Skogafoss, a massive, powerful waterfall that’s carved its way through ancient moss covered lava rocks. Truly inspiring and just what we needed to refresh our souls! Surrounded by lush grassy mountains, this cascade surges downward with such force and power. Today we set up our easels to capture the energy and flow of the water. Creating strokes in diagonal sweeping shapes to enhance that feeling of movement and rhythm, I hope you, too, can hear the flowing water’s music and feel the gentle spray from its mist.
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 
 
 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 two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2026. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

 
Tuscany Foodie Trek 
2 Spots Left!
 
Switzerland Art Trek 
August 2026
Just A Few Spots left!
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek 
Sept. 2027
Registration Now Open
 
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 Painting in Iceland with Niki Gulley

 
20″ x 10” textured acrylic painting on panel by Niki Gulley
 
Just Sold! Another quaint house in this idyllic Icelandic landscape. Another challenging painting day in 40 mph winds! And yet another painting created from the rental car’s front seat. Are you picking up a trend??? I really did love their picturesque front yard, the beautiful golden afternoon light, and how flattered the home owner was that I was capturing his house!
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 

 

***
 
***
If you’ve always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing Art Treks! We have just a couple of spots for Iceland this August.
 
 
 
 

 

Iceland
August 3-10, 2026

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 2 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. 

Painting Godafoss Waterfall with Niki Gulley – Iceland Art Trek

“Cascades III” ©2026 Niki Gulley
9″ x 12” textured oil painting on canvas panel
 
Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 5 – Godafoss
 
This evening we arrived in time to witness sunset over the massive Godafoss falls at the top of The Golden Circle. I set out to capture these gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Using diagonal strokes to capture the energy and strength of the cascades, I also wanted to show the mountains they were tumbling over as the water gushed and tumbled. Dramatic sunset clouds drift by, adding to the rhythm and emotion of this special place.The colors were so beautiful in the sky and created a rainbow of reflected colors in the cascading water. Sketching out my composition and squeezing out my colors ahead of time helped me be able to capture this fleeting moment. I hope you can hear the surging water and feel the joy of this magical place.
 

 

To purchase, visit nikigulley.com/cascades-iii/.
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 
 

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.
 

  

 

 

“Peaks and Valleys” Palette Knife Painting from Isle of Skye by Niki Gulley

“Peaks and Valleys” ©2026 Niki Gulley
12″ x 16” textured oil painting

Scotland Art Trek – Days 5: Isle of Skye – Quiraing
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Next up on our Scotland Art Trek itinerary was a morning stop at the Quiraing, a unique area filled with high cliffs, hidden plateaus and unusual rock formations. Allowing a full morning for my painters to capture the land’s unique beauty, everyone did an amazing job! I chose this vantage point with some of the purple heather growing in the foreground, adding a nice color contrast to all of that lush greenery. The photographers hiked all around, capturing unique angles and then we all treated ourselves to lunch. Afterwards, we stopped at Mealt Falls to take in the waterfall’s power and beauty, and then we finished the day back in Portree.

To purchase “Peaks and Valleys,” please check out https://www.nikigulley.com/falling-water-ii-2/.

 

Photographers searching for that perfect angle to capture the Quiraing’s beauty.
 
 
Our Scotland Art Treks group enjoying a delicious dinner together.
 
***

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

 
 

 ***

 

 

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.
 
 
***

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

 

Iceland Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

“Falling Water III” ©2026 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 12″ x 9” textured oil painting
 
Iceland Art Trek: Day 2 – Kvernofoss

 

Just Sold! Next up on our Iceland itinerary was visiting another waterfall. My husband and I love waterfalls, and it feels like Iceland has one even better than the next around every bend! So, needless to say we were pretty happy painting and photographing all of the falls the country had to offer. This cascade that we visited today is smaller in stature but no less impressive. It tumbles down over the rocky mountain and empties into a river carving its way through the lush, craggy valley below. I wanted to capture not only the falls, but the water’s path as it flows and snakes its way around the towering rock formations. Other than the midges that would swarm when the sun came out, it was a perfect afternoon!

 

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

 

 

 
 
 
If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks including a workshop in Iceland August of 2023, please let us know. 
 
 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
***

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

 

 

Painting Iceland’s Gorgeous Coast with Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Protected Cove II” 9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley
 
 
Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
Day 7 – Hellnar

 

The last morning of our Iceland Art Trek was absolutely beautiful. The sun was shining, the wind disappeared and we could have worn shorts! The view of the Atlantic ocean from our hotel was gorgeous, so our painters opted to stay right there and paint from the deck. What a fabulous way to end the trip! I hope you enjoy this scene I painted of the cabin overlooking the bay. I could just imagine staying in that peaceful location and enjoying that scenery everyday. May it transport you so you can feel the joy and serenity, too!
 
 
 
 
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!
 
For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

Iceland’s Black Church Painted from the Car!

 

“The Black Church IV”5″ x 7” textured acrylic painting on panel by Niki Gulley

 

So the rain has finally broken in Iceland, but now there are 35 mph wind gusts! Needless to say I am painting from the protection of our car. Love this black church and the dramatic clouds surrounding it.
 
 
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!
 
 
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!
 
 
For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

Last Day of Our Iceland Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 
SOLD • “Viking Village” 9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley
 
 
Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
Day 7 – Kirkjufell
 
Just SOLD! We completed our Iceland Art Trek that we taught on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with its other worldly scenery. Our last stop was Kirkjufell, the cone shaped “church” mountain and its waterfall on the north side of the peninsula, and also the most photographed spot in Iceland. We had just enough time while the photographers were capturing its beauty to start one last painting. Everyone chose a different subject today, and I focused in on this cute town across the bay. Dramatic clouds caused the village to glow against the shadowed mountain, and I had fun playing with shapes and light with my palette knife.
 
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 
 

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

 

***
If you’ve always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing Art Treks! We have just a couple of spots for Iceland this August.
 
 
 
 

 

Iceland
August 3-10, 2026

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 a couple 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.