contemporary impressionist

Palette Knife Oil Painting from Venice by Niki Gulley

February 23, 2023

16″ x 12″ textured oil on canvas panel

I started this piece during our Plein Air / Photography Art Trek Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I lead in Venice, Italy. We had painted several other grand locations, but decided on day three to paint a more intimate vignette of the canals. Since the whole city is on water, I love how their “garage doors” are actually for their boats! In this painting, I wanted to focus on all of the wonderful architectural textures and age of the homes as seen in the peeling stucco, crumbling bricks and weathered wood. Luckily I had a steady stream of gondolas passing as I was painting so I could add one in to set the mood.

To purchase and for more details, go to nikigulley.com/venetian-textures/.

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.

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If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know.

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

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Portugal Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

February 10, 2023

SOLD • 9″ x 12″ textured oil painting

Portugal Art Trek:

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1 – Cascais

Once we finished researching our 2022 Art Trek to Alsace, France, we flew to Portugal to begin leading this summer’s Art Trek to our intrepid group. Our first afternoon was rather leisurely since most of our group was arriving from the United States and shaking off their jet lag. So once everyone checked into our oceanside hotel and took a short nap, we set out on a walking tour of our home base town, Cascais. The Atlantic Ocean hugs its coastline, and there is a great walking trail all along the city. Above, you can see how I wanted to capture the gorgeous rock formations and the beautiful colors in the ocean.

After finishing taking in the beautiful scenery along the water, we wandered the maze of tiled streets throughout town, soaking in the architecture and energy, and finished the night with a delicious dinner of Portuguese tapas. A great way to start the trip!

View from our hotel

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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If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, including Portugal and Spain in 2024, please let us know.

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

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“Breaking Through” White Rock Lake Painting by Dallas Artist Niki Gulley

February 9, 2023

24″ x 18″ textured oil painting

On a peaceful spring morning, I set up my easel at White Rock Lake to capture the sun rising behind this beautiful, tangled Cottonwood. I liked how the warm light accentuated the tree’s curves and textured bark, and I chose this vertical composition to show off its size and strength. In the distance, the light starts to break through the clouds, causing the water’s surface to glisten and illuminating the landscape. I hope this scene gives you a sense of peace and lifts your spirits for what the day has to bring.

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

E-mail – Niki Gulley

To purchase “Breaking Through” and see framing options, check out nikigulley.com/breaking-through/.

“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 Niki@NikiGulley.com.

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.