Tag: contemporary impressionists

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

January 15, 2026

 

 

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

 

 

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Scotland and other travel painting series.
 
 
***
 
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! 

 

 
2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 

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 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
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.

 

 
Check out http://www.ArtTreks.org for more details.
 
***

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

 

New Autumn Glory Painting of the Blue Ridge Parkway by Asheville Artist Niki Gulley

January 6, 2026

  

“Tomorrow’s Adventure” ©2025 Niki Gulley
24” x 48” textured acrylic painting on canvas
 

 

I am in love with my new studio! The mountain views from my windows are just stunning. We’re unpacked and it feels so good to finally be settled, so that I can focus on creating again. First canvas — of course it’s of that inspiring vista right out my studio! When I started this last week, the fall color was breathtaking. Now, since the polar vortex there aren’t many leaves left. But, thankfully I was able to capture those hues before they dropped and now my imagination can fill in the gaps to recreate that joyful feeling for you. I hope you are transported with me to the catharsis of being surrounded by mother nature and this mountain majesty!
 
To see a video of this one, follow https://www.facebook.com/reel/736555692796606.

 

 
E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife seasonal paintings.

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

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

New “Wheel of Hope” from Weaverville, NC by Niki Gulley

January 5, 2026

 

“Wheel of Hope” ©2025 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 24” x 48” textured acrylic painting on canvas
 
Just sold! Today I met up with the Asheville Plein Air painters at Lake Louise in Weaverville. Such a fun morning with a fantastic welcoming group!

I loved the historic waterwheel here, but sadly it got mangled in the hurricane. Then about 3 months ago, the wheel disappeared. Today I showed up for our paint out and a new one was back. One of the neighbors told me it had just gotten installed the night before. Talk about perfect timing! And, I loved hearing the history from all of the locals who came up and chatted with me.

Here’s a video of this one – https://www.instagram.com/p/DPjhHGqkVdh/
 
E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife seasonal paintings.

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

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

 

New Fall Foliage from the Blue Ridge Mountains by Niki Gulley

January 2, 2026

 

“Wandering the Woods” ©2025 Niki Gulley
24” x 48” textured acrylic painting on canvas
 
The Blue Ridge Parkway in all of its autumn glory! It is so beautiful exploring every hill and valley while soaking in that refreshing mountain air. What fall delights will you find around the next curve? I hope you enjoy the uplifting, vibrant colors and crisp November air as the sounds of falling leaves crunch underfoot and mother nature restores your spirit. 
 
E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about her palette knife seasonal paintings.

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

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

Painting and Photographing Gullfoss Waterfall on Niki Gulley’s and Scott Williams’ Art Trek to Iceland

July 16, 2025

     

 

SOLD • “Cascading IV”12″ x 9” 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 4 – Gullfoss

 

Just Sold! Today we visited the Gullfoss waterfall at the top of The Golden Circle. We set out to capture these gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Using diagonal strokes to illustrate the energy and strength of the flowing mass, I also wanted to show the water’s beauty as it gushed and tumbled over the dramatic cliffs. I hope you can hear the surging cascade and feel the joy of this magical place.
 
 
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

 

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! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spots Left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 
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/

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

Waterfall Palette Knife Painting from Iceland by Niki Gulley

July 14, 2025

 

 

 

“Cascading II” 9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel bu=y Niki Gulley
 
Iceland Art Trek: Day 1 – Skogafoss

 

First stop on our Iceland Art Trek this year was the Skogafoss waterfall. 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.
 
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.
 
 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! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spots Left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 
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/

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

Iceland Painting and Photography Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

July 11, 2025

“Ice Drift” by Niki Gulley
9″ x 12” textured oil painting
 
Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 2 – Vatnajokull National Park / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
 
After enjoying the gentle beauty in Southern Iceland, we worked our way around the country counterclockwise and visited the frozen lagoons and icebergs in the east next. Uniquely shaped large ice chunks float along gorgeous turquoise waters as they drift out to sea. Each one has a distinct shape and color that make them fascinating to watch. This afternoon, I set out to capture this rather interesting square ice piece with aqua blue diagonal ridges running through it. I pulled in fairly tightly so you could focus on its design and then I painted in a glimpse of the mountain behind it to give you a sense of scale. Meanwhile, the water below becomes slightly blurry as the ice chunks slowly drift by and we are caught up in the mesmerizing moment. 
 
 
 
 

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

 

 

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

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! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spots Left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 
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/

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

New Cascades from Iceland by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

July 10, 2025

 

 
“Cascading III” 12″ x 9” 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 3 – Waterfalls and More Waterfalls

 

On Day 3 of our Iceland Art Trek, we visited more gorgeous waterfalls! Crashing through cliffs, splashing over rocks, bubbling downstream, the cascades flow out to sea. I chose to paint this scene with loose, expressive brushstrokes to convey the movement and energy of the rushing water and the texture in the cliffs and rocks. Fortunately, the river was still enough to reflect the falls in the distance and we were able to capture that crystal mirror.
 
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.
 
 
 
***
 
If you’ve always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing Art Treks! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spots Left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 
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/

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

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

Iceland’s Gorgeous Waterfalls – Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

July 9, 2025

   

 
“Cascading V” 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 5 – The Golden Circle

 

On the fifth day of our Iceland Art Trek, we toured several scenes along the Golden Circle drive, north of Reykavik. In the morning, we hiked back to these beautiful falls that empty into this gorgeous pool of turquoise churning water. I was pleased with the results and really enjoyed the peaceful falls. 

 

 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

 

 
***
 
If you’ve always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing Art Treks! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spots Left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 
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/

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

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

 
 NikiGulley.com

Painting Lupine in Iceland with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

July 6, 2025
SOLD
“Rivers of Blue” 20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley

 

Just Sold! We timed our Iceland Art Trek perfectly and had almost ideal weather for our group when we were teaching. However the week before when Scott and I arrived early to get in some additional painting and photographing was a whole other story. Today the 40 mph winds made it particularly challenging, so I set up my easel in the front seat of the car and painted out the window. A little weather wasn’t going to deter us!

I loved this view of the one lone house surrounded by colorful wildflowers and cobalt lupine (which look so much like our Texas bluebonnets). The hues were just beautiful together and it added so much joy to what could have been a challenging day. I hope you enjoy the escape, too!
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.
 

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! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spots Left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 
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/

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