Bridge to Yesterday – Guilin, China

“Bridge to Yesterday” – Guilin, China – by Niki Gulley
11″ x 14″ pastel
Once we finished visiting Tokyo, we proceeded on to mainland China for an adventure of a lifetime. After a harrowing 15 hour ride west into the countryside from Hong Kong on a jam-packed floor-room only overnight sleeper bus, we finally began to see the mystical mountain formations that make Guilin one of the most beautiful areas of China and the source of artists’ inspiration for centuries. The way in which the mysterious karst mountain formations rise and disappear amongst the misty, foggy atmosphere is truly magical.
We came across this park on our last day in Guilin. After such an exhausting journey, and the hustle and bustle of the big city, this slice of tranquility was just what we needed. In this pastel, I wanted to convey the peacefulness and the mystical quality of this quiet spot. The precipitation was heavy in the air, which created a nice contrast between the red foot bridge in the foreground and the distant hazy mountains.
For more information about “Bridge to Yesterday,” e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com

Venice Painting and Photography Workshop

Twilight, Venice

“Twilight, Venice” by Niki Gulley
11″ x 14″ pastel

In anticipation of our upcoming painting/photography workshop that my husband and I are teaching in Venice, Italy this spring, I thought I’d put my excitement down on canvas. I can’t wait to get back to the beauty and magic of Venice. I love entering a different world and time when we visit. This piece is inspired by the glow cast from the sun setting beyond the lagoon. Most of the gondolas have returned from their romantic cruises and have been put up for the night. There is a calmness to the usually bustling waterway that I thoroughly enjoy this time of day.

If interested in “Twilight, Venice” or in more information about our next painting/photography workshop in Italy, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or, visit nikigulley.com/ng2/?page_id=13 for more information. The registration deadline of Jan. 30th is quickly approaching!

Textured Aspen Oil Sketch

7″ x 5″ oil painting by Niki Gulley
Another chunky sculpted oil painting with 1/4 inch thick paint.

E-mail me for more information about this painting or other similar chunky oil sketches at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Home Portraits

8″ x 10″ pastel by Niki Gulley

Here is a home portrait I recently completed for a Christmas gift. It was challenging capturing all of the architectural details of the house in an 8″ x 10″ pastel, but I’m pleased with how it turned out and the home owner loved it, too! If interested in commissioning me to create a unique painting or pastel for you, contact me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Frosted Sunrise

“Frosted Sunrise” ©2009 Niki Gulley
14″ x 11″ acrylic

Crystal Mill – Colorado oil painting


“Crystal Mill” ©2009 Niki Gulley

14″ x 11″ oil painting

Another snow scene – this one was inspired from a trip to Colorado. I thought this setting, with the river and the snow and the old mill, looked like it came right out of a postcard. Just beautiful!

Adult Art Classes – 3 spots left

I still have a little bit of room in my art classes starting Jan. 12th. E-mail me at  nikigulley@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in signing up or if you have any questions. I’d love to have you join us!

Adult Art Classes – Playing with Color

Through guidance, encouragement and suggestion, learn how to create gorgeous paintings. With enrollment limited to six students, receive personalized attention similar to what you would experience in private lessons. Bring your favorite medium and develop your skills in oils, watercolors or pastels.

Price for all levels: $185

Tuesdays

Jan. 12th – Feb. 2nd & Feb. 23rd – Mar. 2nd

(No Class – Feb. 9th or 16th)

Day Class: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Evening Class: 7 pm – 9 pm

Registration deadline Dec. 15th

  • Maximum class size of 6.
  • Make-up lessons available during opposite class times.
  • Near the intersection of Northwest Hwy. and Abrams Rd. in Dallas

Next Session Fall 2010

Email Niki, nikigulley@sbcglobal.net if you are interested!

White Rock Sunset

White Rock Sunset ©2009 Niki Gulley
5″ x 7″ oil painting

I had so much fun painting White Rock Lake and the Dallas skyline large the other day, that I had to create another miniature version from a similar vantage point using vivid sunset colors.

Email me for more information or visit the White Rock Art Festival at 9720 Waterview Rd. in Dallas this weekend to see more.