plein-air paintings

Niki Gulley Paints the Biltmore Estate in Springtime

May 28, 2025

7” x 5” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Painted on location at the Biltmore, I loved this view of the iconic majestic building surrounded by spring in all of its glory. The azaleas were in full bloom while the the irises were bursting with color! I found a nice cool spot in the shade and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon sketching and painting this beautiful spot.

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

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

Vibrant Fall Foliage Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

March 11, 2025

“Autumn Wonderland” 36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

Those magical moments on Asheville trails when the sun hits just right! ? Finally getting to paint these incredible colors I’ve been dreaming about since our RV trip last fall. The leaves were literally dancing in the breeze while I painted – nature’s own little show!

I hope you enjoy the ride, too! Check out this video if you’s like to see more of the gorgeous autumn scenery – https://www.instagram.com/p/DB8-2vmR87-/.

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

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

Walking in the Woods with Impressionist Landscape Painter Niki Gulley

March 6, 2025

“Carpeted Path” 36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

Can’t help but gasp every time I look up at these fall colors! Finally getting to paint these Asheville trees after dreaming about them for so long. The way the light hits the leaves just makes my heart happy – like nature’s own light show. Loving the sounds of leaves falling and crunching underfoot, while enjoying the uplifting autumn colors and refreshing November air. I hope you enjoy this relaxing, rejuvenating walk through the woods with me!

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

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

Resurrection Artist Studios Grand Opening this Friday

March 4, 2025

Pictured above: Niki Gulley’s studio, Resurrection Artist Studios, Asheville, NC

Friday March 7th from 5 – 10 P.M. ••• 160 Broadway St. • Asheville

Join us for the Grand Opening of Resurrection Studios Collective at the iconic former MOOG Music building. This is your chance to experience Asheville’s newest creative hub,—a dynamic space featuring the incredible work of Western North Carolina’s talented artists across a variety of mediums. Be a part of this exciting unveiling as we celebrate the dedication and artistry that has gone into bringing Resurrection to life.

Live Music: Doss Church & The Unholy Noise take the stage at 7 PM.

Bar Service: Enjoy drinks crafted by our neighbors, Day Trip

Featured Creatives: Explore the vibrant works of Kira Bursky in our pop-up gallery & our talented roster of over 30 Resurrection artists in our main gallery

Don’t miss an unforgettable evening of art, music & community. Join us for this 1st Friday event & discover how Resurrection Studios is bringing a new heartbeat to this historic building.

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

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

New “Autumn Brushstrokes” Palette Knife Painting by Asheville Artist Niki Gulley

February 10, 2025

12″ x 12″ textured acrylic on canvas panel

Can you feel nature’s energy as cooling autumn breezes dance through the vibrant foliage? As leaves start to fall, glimpses of the distance peeks and valleys shine through and your journey is illuminated with gorgeous mountain views. Incorporating bold, broad, skipping strokes add to that feeling of joy and rejuvenation while thick, chunky texture brings this sculptural painting to life.

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

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

New “Casting Shadows” Fall Foliage Painting by Asheville Artist Niki Gulley

February 6, 2025

textured acrylic on canvas

30″ x 40” on 1.5? deep canvas with the painting wrapping around the edges

What a gorgeous day for a drive through the beautiful fall foliage! I hope you can feel the cool breeze and smell the fresh scent of pine and cider in the air. May this one bring joy and energy to your day, as you escape into this autumn wonderland.

If you’d like to see a photo of me painting this one and it’s 3-D texture, check out https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHGx3RRo4n/.

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

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

Nature’s Inspiration by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

February 5, 2025

There’s something magical about protecting your studio time. When nothing interrupts the flow, stories emerge through color and texture that I never expected. What time of day do you feel most inspired? ?

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

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

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textured acrylic on canvas

30″ x 40” on 1.5? deep canvas with the painting wrapping around the edges

Tuscan Hills and Valleys Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

November 22, 2024

18″ x 24″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

by Niki Gulley

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.

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

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 1 Spot Left!
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just a couple of spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

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.

Walking in the Woods with Impressionist Landscape Painter Niki Gulley

November 15, 2024

36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

Loving the sounds of leaves falling and crunching underfoot, while enjoying the uplifting autumn colors and refreshing November air. I hope you enjoy this relaxing, rejuvenating walk through the woods with me!

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

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

Painting Fall at the North Carolina Arboretum by Impressionist Niki Gulley

November 14, 2024

36” x 18” textured acrylic painting on canvas

Today I joined the Asheville Plein Air Painters at the North Carolina Arboretum. While several of the trails were closed from the hurricane, the main gardens were open and it turned out to be a gorgeous afternoon. I loved the bright pops of color in their “mum quilt.” What a fantastic, welcoming group. I look forward to the next time I can join again! 9” x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

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

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.