plein air oil paintings

Strolling through a birch forest painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

February 16, 2026

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/.

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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.

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E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about my palette knife travel paintings.

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

“Peaks and Valleys” Palette Knife Painting from Isle of Skye by Niki Gulley

January 15, 2026

12″ x 16” textured oil painting

Scotland Art Trek – Days 5: Isle of Skye – Quiraing
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Next up on our Scotland Art Trek itinerary was a morning stop at the Quiraing, a unique area filled with high cliffs, hidden plateaus and unusual rock formations. Allowing a full morning for my painters to capture the land’s unique beauty, everyone did an amazing job! I chose this vantage point with some of the purple heather growing in the foreground, adding a nice color contrast to all of that lush greenery. The photographers hiked all around, capturing unique angles and then we all treated ourselves to lunch. Afterwards, we stopped at Mealt Falls to take in the waterfall’s power and beauty, and then we finished the day back in Portree.

To purchase “Peaks and Valleys,” please check out https://www.nikigulley.com/falling-water-ii-2/.

Photographers searching for that perfect angle to capture the Quiraing’s beauty.

Our Scotland Art Treks group enjoying a delicious dinner together.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Scotland and other travel painting series.

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If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

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/

Coming Soon:
Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

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.

Check out http://www.ArtTreks.org for more details.

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Waterfall Palette Knife Painting from Iceland by Niki Gulley

July 14, 2025

“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.

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

***

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!

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

Carnivalé Art Trek – Venice, Italy 2026
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings – Aug. 9th

https://www.arttreks.org/carnival-2026/

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

July 11, 2025

“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.

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

***

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!

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

Carnivalé Art Trek – Venice, Italy 2026
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings – Aug. 9th

https://www.arttreks.org/carnival-2026/

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

July 10, 2025

“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.

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

***

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!

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

Carnivalé Art Trek – Venice, Italy 2026
Feb. 8-14, 2026
Early Registration Deadline for $600 savings – Aug. 9th

https://www.arttreks.org/carnival-2026/

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.

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“Autumn Hideaway” by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

November 4, 2024

SOLD • 16″ x 20″ textured oil painting

Just Sold! After we finished teaching our Art Trek to Vermont, my husband and I stayed another few days to try to capture the gorgeous scenery on canvas and film. This morning, we ventured up to the majestic overlook by the Von Trapp property to capture the spectacular scenery. I loved how this cabin was perfectly tucked into the mountainside surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. The slightly overcast day made the colors pop even more! I hope you, too, can enjoy the crisp autumn air and a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about my palette knife fall foliage paintings.

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

Iceland Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

September 5, 2024

SOLD • 9″ x 12” textured oil painting

For our next Iceland adventure, you guessed it – we visited another waterfall! This one is so magical and unique since you can walk behind the falls and peer out the cave as the water rushes from above crashing into the reservoir below. I set out to capture the gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Trying to find a dry enough place to paint where the mist wouldn’t keep erasing my drawing was a challenge, but on my third try, I finally found a good spot! Trying to time it so that I could capture the sun as it was setting in the distance just added to the enchanting feel of this location. I hope you, too, can feel these cascades power and beauty.

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’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know.

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

New Cascades from Iceland by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

August 28, 2024

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

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!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left!

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!

For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

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

August 23, 2024

“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

The next morning, we stopped by to photograph more puffins on our way out of town. Because you can never have enough puffin watching! Then we gathered up our merry band of trekkers and 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 final drive to our hotel located near the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

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!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left!

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!

For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

August 22, 2024

9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley

Iceland Art Trek: Day 1 – Skogafoss

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!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left!

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!

For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.