contemporary landscape painting

“Bend Ahead” – New Colorado Aspen Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

April 6, 2018

24” x 18″ textured oil painting

Inspired by a trip to Colorado in the fall, trying to catch the beautiful autumn aspens leaves before they dropped, we just caught the last glimpse of color before an early snowfall hit. The combination of golden leaves set against the vivid blue sky, and the cool snow shadows contrasted against glowing light highlights as the sun cast its warming rays, was a symphony to the eye! I hope you, too, can slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this winding journey.

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Or, please visit my website at NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

“Aqua Dreams” Palette Knife Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

February 16, 2018

36” x 60” textured oil on canvas

When we arrived at this tranquil spot, the early morning light was very cool in color, but as the sun began to rise from the horizon, it shone this beautiful warm light that shimmered on the water’s surface and cast its hope of what was to come from the brand new day. I remember the peacefulness I felt in that moment, and a sense that anything was possible. In Aqua Dreams, by showing the contrast in the cool aqua/blues in the foreground waters against the warm golden glow on the distant pond’s edge, I wanted to share that feeling of hope and promise communicated by nature.

To see more of my aspen and birch tree paintings, please visit nikigulley.com.

E-mail – Niki Gulley

“Oak Alley” Palette Knife Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

October 23, 2017

SOLD • 16″ x 20″ textured oil painting

Just Sold! I painted this colorful oak lined alleyway a couple of weeks ago on location at the Fort Worth Stock Yards. I was attracted to the contrast of light and shadows and the way the oaks lined up to lead you down this dappled path into the background Spanish archway, which was illuminated in glowing whites and yellows by the sun. The colors were duller than this and I wanted a warmer feeling to the scene since it was a chilly morning, so I enhanced the hues to create an uplifting backdrop full of color and energy. Utilizing thick paint and palette knife, I also created a lot of texture and movement with my strokes to add to the joyful feeling of painting on this beautiful morning.

For more information on my textured contemporary landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at: nikigulley.com.

New “Floating Expressions” Series Aspen Tree Paintings by Niki Gulley

October 18, 2017

24″ x 24″ textured mixed media painting on wrap around canvas

In this painting series, I wanted the focus to be on texture. Usually I paint with a lot of color, but I opted to use a limited palette on these pieces to really concentrate on the peeling bark of the aspen trees. Bordering on the edge of abstraction and the cusp of realism, Floating Expressions is loaded with layers and layers of paint, built up with thin glazes and then palette knife to create extreme dimension. Choosing to come in extremely close on the subject, I played around with various strokes and paint thicknesses to add depth and energy. At the end, I had to throw in a few of my signature strokes of color – a splash of gold, some touches of purple, and just a dab of fire-engine red for added excitement and unexpected color twists.

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

For more information on my palette knife birch and aspen tree paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

New Palette Knife Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

October 13, 2017

24″ x 24″ textured mixed media painting on wrap around canvas

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

For more information on my palette knife birch and aspen tree paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

New “Floating Expressions” Palette Knife Aspen Trees by Niki Gulley

October 11, 2017

24″ x 24″ textured mixed media painting on wrap around canvas

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

For more information on my palette knife birch and aspen tree paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

“Following the Leader” Koi Fish Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

September 8, 2017

SOLD • 24″ x 12″ textured oil painting on canvas

Just Sold! I’m excited that this painting just won first place at the Artists of Texas H2O show held in Corpus Christi!Gold, white, tangerine – quicksilver Koi slice through silent waters. Playful, darting fish follow each other up through the composition, while cool colors float and ripple across the painting forming tranquil patterns. A happy threesome glides by, lifting your spirits as you gaze into this vertical panorama while thick strokes of paint created with palette knife add dimension and movement.

For more information on my textured contemporary landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

Just Sold “Morning Shadows” from Santa Fe by Niki Gulley

June 2, 2017

“Morning Shadows,” Santa Fe • SOLD
9″ x 12″ textured oil by Niki Gulley

Just Sold! During our Santa Fe Art Trek, we visited this peaceful little street where each home is postcard perfect. Between the unique adobe architecture, the dramatic morning light, and the beautiful plantings surrounding each home, it was hard to choose what to paint! Each student found something different that excited them, and I became fascinated with this window and rain spout, and the deep shadows they were casting. I also loved the glowing Russian sage against the golden terra cotta wall and the beautiful plum tree in the distance.

Above: Painting in Santa Fe.

Visit nikigulley.com/artreks/ for upcoming Art Treks and Workshops or

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

See NikiGulley.com to see more of her contemporary landscape paintings.

New “October Transitions II” – Aspen Tree oil painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

March 30, 2017

I love painting aspen trees and I usually work with a more primary color palette, but in this painting, I wanted to convey a quieter, more peaceful mood. Opting for calming grey greens, soft golds and reds with hints of teal, Harmonic Hues reminds me of the serenity I feel while walking through the forest on a cool autumn day, being totally immersed in nature, not a care in the world. I hope you are transported, too!

For more information on “October Transitions II”, please contact my gallery, the Good Art Company Gallery, in Fredericksburg, goodartcompany.com/gac/.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my birch and aspen tree oil paintings.

Or, visit www.NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

First Place Award for “Following the Leader” by Niki Gulley

March 29, 2017

24″ x 12″ textured oil painting on canvas

I’m excited that this painting just won first place at the Artists of Texas H2O show held in Corpus Christi!Gold, white, tangerine – quicksilver Koi slice through silent waters. Playful, darting fish follow each other up through the composition, while cool colors float and ripple across the painting forming tranquil patterns. A happy threesome glides by, lifting your spirits as you gaze into this vertical panorama while thick strokes of paint created with palette knife add dimension and movement.

For more information on my textured contemporary landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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