Plein Air Painting in Iceland with Artist Niki Gulley

   

 
“Relaxing View” 9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on panel by Niki Gulley
 
Today the painters in our Art Treks group stayed right on the beautiful grounds of our hotel to paint the dramatic scenery. Meanwhile, our photographers and tourists went off exploring. We had the day all to ourselves with the exception of the curious hotel staff, who loved our paintings so much, they featured us on their Instagram page!
 
For our second painting that day, I chose this relaxing view from our patio. The Atlantic sits in the distance and the two chairs invite you to have a seat, take in nature’s beauty and leave all of your worries behind.
 
 
 
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 

 

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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

Only a couple of spots left!
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 4 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 Iceland’s Gorgeous Coastline in Palette Knife by Niki Gulley

  

 

 

 
“Floating Contemplation” 10″ x 20″  textured acrylic painting on panel by Niki Gulley

 

Every day when we left our Iceland hotel to explore the country’s other worldly scenery, we would pass this house situated next to the ocean. Nestled between the Atlantic and inland estuaries, I could just imagine what the idyllic views would be like staying there. So today we stopped so I could capture this serene escape, and bring you along with us.  

 
 
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! Spaces fill up quickly! 
 

 

2026

Iceland
August 3-10, 2026

Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-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/

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.

 

 

Strolling through a birch forest painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

  

“Woodland Stroll” ©2026 Niki Gulley
10″ x 20” textured oil painting

Today we continued our counterclockwise adventure around Iceland to arrive in the north, near the massive, impressive Godafoss waterfall. Unfortunately, our weather turned for the worse, and it was way too wet to paint the falls. However, just over the mountain, 20 minutes away at our b and b, the skies were fairly clear with even occasional glimpses of sunshine. I loved these birch trees all over their property, leading you down to the gorgeous view of the mountains in the distance. Sprinkled with summer wildflowers, I set out to capture the light casting long shadows from the trunks and causing the grasses to glow in the foreground, leading to a feeling of joy and serenity in this beautiful spot.

Close up texture detail of Woodland Stroll: 
 
If you’d like to own “Woodland Stroll,” please visit https://www.nikigulley.com/woodland-stroll/.
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on our upcoming Art Trek to Iceland this August, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
 

 

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

To see more of my 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

     

 

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.
 
 

 

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!
 
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

 

 

 

“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.
 
 
 
 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!
 
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


“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.

 

 

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!
 
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

 

 
“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.
 
 
 
 
 
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!
 
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

   

 
“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.
 
 

 

***
 
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!
 
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/

 

Painting Lupine in Iceland with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

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.
 
 
 

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!
 
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 Art Trek with Painter Niki Gulley and Photographer Scott Williams

“The Black Church III” 5″ x 7” textured acrylic painting on panel by Niki Gulley
 
 
Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
Day 6 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

 

 

We continued our Art Treks adventure around the country to the west, finishing our trip on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The last stop on our itinerary was to visit the famous Black Church. Being the only church made of black construction material on the island, its distinctive appearance stands out rising out of a relatively large, flat plateau. The weather turned a little for the worse today, but this was such a dedicated group of painters. Even a little wind and drizzle wasn’t going to stop them!
 
In this piece, I wanted to capture not only the church’s color and shape, but the dramatic clouds surrounding it. Working with palette knife and thick paint, this little piece is loaded with texture, color and movement. 
 
 
And, to treat ourselves at the end of the trip, we went to one of the few Michelin restaurants on the island and had the most delicious, fresh meal with newfound friends. None of us were ready for the trip to end!
 

 

 
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! 

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 27 – October 4, 2025
2 Spots Left!
 
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.