palette knife painting

Painting Italian Textures by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

March 2, 2026

12″ x 16″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful plantings everywhere. I fell in love with these gorgeous geraniums lining their Italian stairway and the soft light illuminating this courtyard. With my palette knife, I set out to capture all of the different textures from the Roman stone wall to the cobble path to the brick accents. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

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

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

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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.

The Magic of Tuscany Painted by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

February 27, 2026

SOLD • 16″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 5: Cooking Class

Just Sold! Today at our villa, we learned how to make authentic Tuscan meals from a local home chef. From hand rolled pasta, to roasted pork, to various pizzas and appetizers and finishing with a chocolate cherry ricotta torte, they shared their homemade creations with the rest of us, which were delicious!

While the rest of our group was learning how to recreate an Italian feast, I had been admiring this view from the back of our villa. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking with 360 degree views of rolling hills and valleys, dotted by olive groves and quintessential Tuscan farmhouses. Today the late afternoon light was so beautiful how it cast its golden glow on the landscape, and I had to capture it before it was gone. The serpentine roads lead you up over the hills and into the distance. I hope you enjoy the escape to beautiful Tuscany, too, when you gaze at my painting!

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.

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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.

Painting and Photographing Castles with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

February 26, 2026

Since I hand’t had my fill of castles yet, I painted yet another majestic fortress in Tuscany. Starting in the afternoon and continuing until it was almost too dark to see any longer, I captured the scene on canvas while Scott photographed the view as the sun was setting. I love the long winding cypress road inviting you to visit. Such a magical evening!

For details on more of my Tuscany or rose garden paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

To purchase “Lofty Perch,” go to https://www.nikigulley.com/lofty-perch/.

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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.

Wedding Rose Garden Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

February 25, 2026

20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful rose gardens surrounding the property. WOW! With such a plethora of gorgeous blooms, it was really hard to narrow down what to paint. Finally I landed on these crimson beauties with a peek at the Tuscan villa in the distance. I adore the cypress trees so indicative of Tuscany so I made sure to include them in the background. I also loved how this ancient twisted vine hugged the scene, creating an organic window of the view beyond. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

“Ruby Blooms” is available through the Good Art Company at https://www.goodartcompany.com/product-page/abstract-impression-original-art-20×10-landscape-ruby-bloomstps://www.nikigulley.com/ruby-blooms/.

For details on more of my Tuscany or rose garden 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.

Wedding in the Rose Garden Painting by Impressionist Niki Gulley

February 24, 2026

18″ x 24″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

What a delight as we checked into our B and B in Tuscany to discover that the grounds were surrounded by rose gardens. WOW! With such a plethora of beautiful blooms, it was really hard to narrow down what to paint. Finally I landed on these red, pink and white beauties with the Tuscan villa in the distance. Two chairs invite you to sit down, enjoy a glass of wine, relax and just enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

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.

Painting the Vibrant Colors of San Miguel by Niki Gulley

January 16, 2026

12″ x 16″ textured oil painting

Recently collectors of mine invited us to stay with them at their beautiful home in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. I loved all of the gorgeous colors of the architecture and lush foliage blooming everywhere. Around almost every corner was a peaceful park inviting you to stroll through or just sit and enjoy the tranquility of the moment.

If interested in purchasing this painting, please check out nikigulley.com/afternoon-in-the-park/.

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For more details on my other paintings from travels around the world, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

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

“Adobe Oasis” Painting from Santa Fe, NM by Impressionist Niki Gulley

January 1, 2026

24″ x 30″ textured mixed media painting on canvas

During a trip to Santa Fe, we visited this peaceful street off Canyon Road 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! I was drawn to this turquoise doorway and gorgeous raking morning light. I loved the oranges of the adobe contrasted against the purples in the various blooming sage plants. Chamisa and aspens glow in a warm golden palette and pops of ruby blooms add energy and warmth to the scene. Welcome home!

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E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Southwest textured oil paintings.

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

“Perspective Control” Fall Aspen Painting by Niki Gulley

December 26, 2025

24” x 12″ textured mixed media painting

on 1.5″ wrap around canvas with the painting continuing around the edges

Enjoying the melodic tinkling of the aspen leaves rustling in the breeze, the trickling sounds of the babbling brook at our side, and the beauty of fall ablaze with color, I felt invigorated as I began painting this aspen forest. The setting was so peaceful and rejuvenating that I wanted to communicate that joyful feeling of discovery. Filling the canvas with energetic staccato strokes and bold colors, in addition to gently arching the tree trunks reaching towards the sky, add to that uplifting feeling. And then just a sliver of the trail cutting through the forest, suggests the excitement of the journey that is to come.

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

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

“Cacophony” Textured Autumn Aspen Painting Niki Gulley

December 25, 2025

30” x 30″ textured mixed media painting

on 1.5″ wrap around canvas with the painting continuing around the edges

Enjoying the concert of aspen leaves rustling in the breeze and the beauty of fall ablaze with color, I felt invigorated as I began painting this aspen forest. The setting was so mesmerizing and rejuvenating that I wanted to communicate that joyful feeling of discovery. Filling the canvas with energetic staccato strokes and bold colors, in addition to gently arching the tree trunks reaching towards the sky, all add to that uplifting feeling of being immersed in nature’s symphony.

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

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

Experience Asheville’s Gorgeous Fall Foliage in Niki Gulley’s Paintings

December 22, 2025

SOLD • 20″ x 30″ textured acrylic painting on canvas

Just WOW!!! Our timing in Asheville was perfect. Gorgeous peak color and ideal 70 degree days. The view from our campsite was spectacular and I had to capture those autumn hues before they were gone. Especially since the leaves were falling into my paint as soon as I mixed the next color. I hope you can feel pure joy and energy in this one! And, there may be a little extra real leaf texture as a bonus.

To see a video about this painting, check out https://www.instagram.com/p/CzBw2bNOy_9/.

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

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