contemporary impressionist

“Flying High” Palette Knife Painting from New Orleans by Niki Gulley

February 1, 2023

New Orleans Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2, Afternoon Location: The French Quarter

This was one of those quaint corridors that was just bursting with vibrant colors in the French Quarter. It was hard to decide what to paint, with all of the picturesque cafes and stores lining the walk. What really caught my eye though, were all of bright flags flapping in the afternoon breeze.

If you’re interested in purchasing this painting, just follow this link https://www.nikigulley.com/flying-high/.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my paintings.

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

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

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New Orleans Garden District Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

January 31, 2023

12″ x 9″ palette knife oil painting

On our plein air painting and photography workshop my husband and I taught in New Orleans, we rode the trolley to the Garden District and set out to capture the beautiful architecture so distinctive of the area. I was attracted to this grand pink house, and in particular I loved the huge old oak tree framing it. The dappled light hitting the trunk was so striking that I decided to accentuate that in my painting with a multitude of colors and values while making the background soft to keep the composition from becoming too cluttered. The sheer size and age of the trees in New Orleans is incredible, which I set out to show juxtaposing the massive oak against the smaller two-story homes in the distance. Created with palette knife and a lot of oil paint, this canvas is loaded with texture and uplifting colors so that you feel the joy and energy of hanging out in New Orleans.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my paintings.

“Going to Class” from Oxford by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

January 25, 2023

9″ x 12″ textured oil painting

Inspired from a visit to Oxford, England, I loved the feel and energy of the old college town. We stopped in our tracks one day as we were passing in front of this Ivy covered wall, almost engulfing the massive hand-carved wooden door. Golden light was raking across the scene, beckoning you to take a look and go inside. The fact that the bike was parked right there, made it the perfect photo opp and later in the studio, the perfect painting subject.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about my palette knife travel paintings.

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

Winter Wonderland Commission by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

January 24, 2023

SOLD • 24″ x 12″ Textured Mixed Media on Canvas

Just Shipped! This has been a busy year for commissions! Next, I was asked to create two special paintings for some collectors of mine, whom we have become really close to over the years. They have accompanied us on an Art Trek and have graciously invited us to stay with them in Mexico and the United States since that fun-filled trip. So, I was truly honored and flattered that they asked me to paint Cookie’s garden in full bloom during the summer and also frosted with snow in the winter.

Trying to take fairly horizontal compositions and turn them into narrow vertical paintings made for a fun, challenging project! While, making sure the garden was filled with a beautiful dusting of snow so that every branch was iced and including personal details like the angel statue and the Christmas wreath on the red door, I wanted their garden and walkway to welcome you into their lovely home.

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

For more information on my large floral paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

New Garden Commission by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

January 23, 2023

SOLD • 24″ x 12″ Textured Mixed Media on Canvas

Trying to take a fairly horizontal composition and turn it into a narrow vertical made for a fun, challenging project! While, making sure the garden was filled with prolific colorful blooms and including personal details like the angel statue and the bird bath in the tree, I wanted their garden and walkway to welcome you into their lovely home.

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

For more information on my large floral paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

New Ocean Sunset Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

December 26, 2022

9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Painting this piece on location, I wanted to capture the movement in the ocean as the tides lapped along the shoreline. With the waves creating their cathartic rhythmic sounds, I left my strokes loose to convey that energy and motion. There was a beautiful sunset tonight that caused the sky and water’s surface to dance in these ethereal shades of pink and gold. I hope you, too, can feel the peaceful magic in the moment.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

Or e-mail me for more information on my seascapes at [email protected].

Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley Paints Cathartic Seascapes

December 23, 2022

12″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

I wanted this painting to be about the power of the ocean to lift your spirits. Painting this piece on location, I was hoping you could feel the ocean tides lapping on the shore and hear the rhythmic, soothing sounds of the waves cresting and falling like I was experiencing while painting it. Whenever I visit the beach I always feel rejuvenated, and I hope I’ve translated that onto the canvas for you to experience it, too.

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

Or, e-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about my palette knife travel paintings.

New Contemporary Seascape Painting by Impressionist Niki Gulley

December 22, 2022

12″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

I wanted this painting to be about the power of the ocean to lift your spirits. Painting this piece on location, I strove to capture the sparkle the sun cast across the turquoise waters as it slowly rose above the horizon. Creating bobbing diamonds of sparkling light across the surface was truly mesmerizing to watch.

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

Or, e-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about my palette knife travel paintings.

Last Day of Niki Gulley’s and Scott Williams’ Alsace Art Trek

December 14, 2022

12″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Day 6, Alsace, France Art Trek: Colmar or Strasbourg

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

As always, this Art Trek flew by and it was already the last day. So, we decided that we had so much fun painting earlier in the week in Colmar, that we would revisit that beautiful spot and paint in another direction since the scenery was inspiring all around. Today I set up my easel amongst the Russian sage and Black-eyed Susans to capture their joy and energy with a sliver of the cross-timbered architecture in the distance to set the stage. Meanwhile below you can see some of my talented students’ paintings working in watercolor, pastel and acrylic.

Painting amongst the Russian sage and Black-eyed Susans

Students’ pastel, watercolors and acrylics

While we painted the rest of our group hopped a train to Strasbourg and toured the town, and others just enjoyed their last free day in Colmar. That night we gathered for one more delicious dinner, enjoying the company of new friends. What an amazing Trek!

Toasting to our last night!

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my France painting series.

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

Painting and Photographing Alsace Wine Towns with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

December 13, 2022

12″ x 9″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Day 5, Alsace, France Art Trek: Ribeauvillé

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

After a relaxing day in Colmar, we ventured forth on day 5 to visit the next picturesque village on the Alsatian wine route, Ribeauvillé. My painters and I set up in this beautiful park to capture the surrounding beauty while the photographers went in search for the perfect shot and the tourists grabbed the train, which toured the area and gave them some history on the region. I loved all of these colorful planted flowers, so working more loosely and impressionistically today, I set out to capture the joy of the moment.

Gardens in Ribeauvillé

After lunch, we then toured the Trimbach winery to learn about their wine-making process, and of course, sample some of their famous wines. Delicious!

Wine tasting with our group

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my France painting series.

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