palette knife landscape painting

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

August 27, 2026

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 4 – Vatnajokull National Park

The next morning, we headed further east to the Vatnjokull National Park. Here we had several hours to hike and photograph the exotic scenery and another amazing waterfall before our drive to our hotel located near the glacier lagoons.

Iceland offers so many dramatic shifts in its terrain. Land of fire and ice! Today we encountered both, and so we set out to capture that contrast. Starting near a “dormant” volcanic area (at least the guide claimed it is only erupts every 40 years), below you can see the lava rock formations and above that the glacier arises through the mist. At least when we started painting we could see the icy top, but as fog does it continued to roll into our scene and obliterate our upper view. Glad we got it captured in our under painting before it disappeared!

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’re a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks. Spaces fill up quickly, so let us know if you’re interested in this once in a lifetime experience!

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for

Artists, Foodies & Travelers

_________________________________________________

Switzerland Art Trek
August 2026

Waitlist Available

Tuscany Foodie Trek
Sept. 2027

A Few Spots Left!

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.

***

NikiGulley.com

Iceland Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

August 25, 2026

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 3: Afternoon Location – Turf Houses

Today we encountered a new challenge. How to capture sod-roofed houses set against grassy hills, built upon – you guessed it – more turf. That’s a lot of green upon green upon green! This Viking village dates back about 200 years, and it’s been preserved to it’s original state. Not something we see everyday, so we just had to do our best to capture it despite the green challenge. A good lesson in mixing colors, warmer in the foreground and cooler in the distance to help the background recede.

Meanwhile the photographers explored another waterfall nearby. While that cascade is smaller in stature, it is no less impressive. It tumbles down over the rocky mountain and empties into a river carving its way through the lush, craggy valley below.

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

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

***

Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2026. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

Tuscany Foodie Trek
2 Spots Left!

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Switzerland Art Trek
August 2026

Just A Few Spots left!

Tuscany Foodie Trek
Sept. 2027

Registration Now Open

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.

“Black Beach Glow” Palette Knife Painting of Iceland by Niki Gulley

August 24, 2026

SOLD • 5″ x 7” textured oil painting

Iceland Art Trek… Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 2: Afternoon Location – Black Beach & Puffins

On our second afternoon in Iceland, we set out to find adorable puffins diving off cliffs to capture their morning’s catch. After that we visited the Black Beach where the rock formations and caves were formed out of black lava. Giant basalt columns stacked one right after the other dominate the shoreline. I wanted to capture their texture and the peaceful glow as the sun rose on the horizon in this little painting.

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

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

***

Tuscany Foodie Trek
2 Spots Left!

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Switzerland Art Trek
August 2026

Just A Few Spots left!

Tuscany Foodie Trek
Sept. 2027

Registration Now Open

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 Lighthouse in Iceland with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

August 21, 2026

9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2 – Vik

Scott and I absolutely love lighthouses. Beacons of hope. Lighting the way. Each one unique architecturally, honoring its heritage and traditions. So, on our Iceland Art Trek that we just led, our students and us were excited to set up our easels / tripods and capture this striking beauty perched high about the ocean on the south coast. It was a gorgeous day to paint – sunny and 70 degrees! In Iceland!!! So, we took full advantage of that. The sun rising on the horizon added another ray of hope, and I enjoyed playing one light source off the other. I hope you enjoy the view, too, and feel the warmth lighting your path!

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

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

***

Tuscany Foodie Trek
2 Spots Left!

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Switzerland Art Trek
August 2026

Just A Few Spots left!

Tuscany Foodie Trek
Sept. 2027

Registration Now Open

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.

Waterfall Palette Knife Painting from Iceland by Niki Gulley

August 20, 2026

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 1 – Skogafoss

What a glorious way to start our Iceland Art Trek! First stop, Skogafoss, a massive, powerful waterfall that’s carved its way through ancient moss covered lava rocks. Truly inspiring and just what we needed to refresh our souls! 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.

***

Tuscany Foodie Trek
2 Spots Left!

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Switzerland Art Trek
August 2026

Just A Few Spots left!

Tuscany Foodie Trek
Sept. 2027

Registration Now Open

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.

Tuscany Foodie Trek with Scott Williams and Niki Gulley

March 12, 2026

Day 1, Tuscany Foodie Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the first day of our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we picked everyone up from the Rome airport and drove them to our new abode for the next week, nestled amongst the rolling Tuscan hills. The villa is beautiful and the view so spectacular that we just relax and soak in that gorgeous scenery the first day. Some people enjoyed the pool while others got settled in. That night we had a chef prepare a 7 course authentic family meal right at the villa, washed down with some vino Nobile and prosecco. A great way to kick off the trip!

And, above you can see my first painting from the Trek. This is the spectacular view from the breakfast table at our villa. It’s soooo beautiful! I love watching the light and shadows form on the farmer’s field and the gorgeous rosemary and flowers in bloom in the foreground just added so much joy and color to the scene.

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

***

Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had a couple of spots open up for our trip this September. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Spaces fill up quickly!

Iceland
August 3-10, 2026

Only 1 spot 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.

Tuscan Hills and Valleys Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

February 19, 2026

18″ x 24″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

The views in Tuscany are just gorgeous – Straight out of “Under the Tuscan Sun” beauty! Today I was drawn to this villa surrounded by olive trees and jaw-dropping vistas of the valley stretching for miles. The best part of the day was getting to meet the homeowner and her pride that I chose to paint her house! I hope you enjoy the peaceful escape with me.

For details on more of my Tuscany and Italy paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

***

Iceland
August 3-10, 2026

Only 1 spot 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.

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

January 6, 2026

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.

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

January 5, 2026

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.

New Fall Foliage from the Blue Ridge Mountains by Niki Gulley

January 2, 2026

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.

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for

Artists, Foodies & Travelers

Iceland Art Trek… Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams Day 3: Afternoon Location – Turf Houses

Iceland Art Trek… Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams Day 2: Afternoon Location – Black Beach & Puffins

Iceland Art Trek… Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 3: Afternoon Location – Turf Houses

Iceland Art Trek… Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 2: Afternoon Location – Black Beach & Puffins