Inspired by a trip to Colorado in the fall, trying to catch the beautiful autumn aspens leaves before they dropped, we just caught the last glimpse of color before an early snowfall hit. The combination of golden leaves set against the vivid blue sky, and the cool snow shadows contrasted against glowing light highlights as the sun cast its warming rays, was a symphony to the eye! I hope you, too, can slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this winding journey.
Tag: Plein air painting workshops
Colorful Scottish Harbor by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
Recently, I was commissioned by some of my collectors to paint this colorful harbor town of Tobermory in Scotland. They wanted to have a special painting to remember their amazing anniversary trip. I feel so honored that I got to create something so personal for them!
If you’d like me to create a unique painting of your favorite place or a fond memory, please let me know.
“Pedestal to the Sky” from Athens Greece by Niki Gulley
9″ x 12″ oil painting by Niki Gulley
On the first full day of our plein air painting and photography workshop in Greece, we visited the Acropolis in Athens along with several other ancient sites. It was truly awe inspiring to see a part of history from the fifth century BC and to imagine what life must have been like as democracy was beginning. In the afternoon, the painters set up their easels on top of the beautiful balcony at our hotel to paint this beautiful view of the Parthenon while the photographers continued touring the city. In this oil painting, I wanted to capture a sense of scale with the Acropolis, and suggest how it rises above the city on this massive mound, towering majestically over the city, kissed by the clouds above.
New Vermont Covered Bridge Commission by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
New England setting.
New “Going to Class” from Oxford by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
New “Golden Hour” Oil Painting from Tuscany by Niki Gulley
New “Autumn in Tuscany” Palette Knife Oil Painting by Niki Gulley
New “Positano Overlook” Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
New “Amalfi Coast Memories” Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
New “Falling Water” by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
My husband and I both LOVE waterfalls, and we try to visit them whenever we can find them on our adventures. This beautiful cascade turned out to
be right in my husband’s backyard where he grew up. We were in New York
visiting his hometown, and having grown up in a city, I couldn’t
believe this gorgeous spectacle was right outside his door! Not far from
Niagara falls, this massive water flow crashed and glided along the
intricate rock formations rushing into the river far below. The sound of
water rushing was so energetic and peaceful at the same time, and I
wanted to capture that invigorating feeling in my painting. Setting up
my easel at its base, I set out to recreate the energy and flow of the
cascades while showing some of the lush vegetation surrounding them.
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.
















