Nightfall III, Chicago pastel

“Nightfall III,” Chicago ©2010 Niki Gulley
10″ x 8″ pastel
In contrast to the ghost town downtown Dallas can sometimes be at night, I love the energy pulsing through downtown Chicago, especially near Michigan Avenue. Besides the excitement in all of the activity, I like how everything is illuminated and the way the lights sparkle. In Nightfall III, I wanted to contrast the deep purple I saw in the John Hancock building against the glowing Water Tower in front of it, and am pleased with the dreamy effect.
To view this pastel in person, visit my booth at the Wells Street Art Show in Chicago this weekend. See chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=141 for more information.
Or, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Nightfall II, Chicago pastel

“Nightfall II,” Chicago ©2010 Niki Gulley
10″ x 8″ pastel
I wanted to paint a Chicago landmark in a unique way, so I chose this photo of mine to work from of Buckingham Fountain at night. I love how the lights after dark create a dreamy, romantic feel to most scenes, especially when reflecting on water. I remember hearing the symphony in the background synchronizing with the lights on the fountain and creating such a magical night.
To purchase this painting, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.
Or, stop by my booth at the Wells Street Art Show in Chicago this weekend to see it in person, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=141.

“Twilight Sail” ©2010 Niki Gulley

pastel • 8″ x 10″

The idea for Twilight Sail came from taking a river boat cruise on Lake Michigan just as the sun was starting to set behind the Chicago skyline. The buildings became slightly silouetted and the sunlight created a beautiful shimmer on the water’s surface that I had to capture. If you’d like to see this pastel in person and you’re in Chicago this weekend, stop by my booth at the Wells Street Art Festival, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=141.

Autumn Birch Study II

7″ x 5″ oil by Niki Gulley

This autumn birch study is painted with extremely thick oil paint and a palette knife. I like how the staccato strokes add to the sense of movement in the leaves and grasses, and even makes it feel like the forest is dancing with life.
To purchase this painting, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Autumn Birch Study

7″ x 5″ oil by Niki Gulley

I painted this fall birch study with extremely thick oil paint and a palette knife. I love the movement in the strokes which contribute to the feeling of the leaves blowing in the breeze and the energy found in nature.

Birch Trees oil painting

Birch trees oil painting by Niki Gulley • 5″ x 7″
This birch tree study was painted with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives.

Thailand beaches oil painting

Ocean Study
oil painting by Niki Gulley • 5″ x 7″
This ocean study was inspired by the fascinating karst rock formations and gorgeous turquoise waters that we saw on our trip to the Phuket area of Thailand. It was created with thick oil paint and palette knives.

Sunset Ocean study

Sunset Study
oil painting by Niki Gulley • 5″ x 7″
This sunset study was painted with thick oil paint and palette knives.

Sunset study oil painting

Sunset Study
oil painting by Niki Gulley • 5″ x 7″
This sunset study was painted with thick oil paint and palette knives.

Poppy oil painting

Poppy Study
oil painting by Niki Gulley • 5″ x 7″
This poppy study was painted with thick oil paint and palette knives.