plein-air paintings

Painting Godafoss Waterfall with Niki Gulley – Iceland Art Trek

January 24, 2024

9″ x 12” textured oil painting on canvas panel

To purchase, visit nikigulley.com/cascades-iii/.

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

Day 5 – Godafoss

This evening we arrived in time to witness sunset over the massive Godafoss falls at the top of The Golden Circle. I set out to capture these gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Using diagonal strokes to capture the energy and strength of the cascades, I also wanted to show the mountains they were tumbling over as the water gushed and tumbled. Dramatic sunset clouds drift by, adding to the rhythm and emotion of this special place.The colors were so beautiful in the sky and created a rainbow of reflected colors in the cascading water. Sketching out my composition and squeezing out my colors ahead of time helped me be able to capture this fleeting moment. I hope you can hear the surging water and feel the joy of this magical place.

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 interested in joining us in 2024 on our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop in Iceland this coming August or on a future Art Trek or Foodie Trek, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

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

Palette Knife Painter Niki Gulley Paints Covered Bridges

September 25, 2023

9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

We have landed in New York, about an hour from Buffalo, in Scott’s hometown. The fall leaves are just barely turning colors and the temps are in the 70s. Beautiful!

Our first stop – Scott played a round of golf with old friends and since the grounds were so pretty, I decided to set up my easel at the golf course. So, here is my first painting of a covered bridge. This was a great introduction to more covered bridges to come!

To purchase, go to https://www.nikigulley.com/covered-drive/.

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.

Packing Your Suitcase for a Painting Trip to Italy with Niki Gulley

February 21, 2023

Niki Gulley, Contemporary Impressionist Painter

Upcoming Venice Art Trek Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

The other day I showed you the materials that I take with me when I’m teaching / painting overseas. So, today I thought you might be interested in seeing how in the world all of this gear fits into my suitcase!

So, pretty much 1/2 to 2/3rds of my case ends up being painting supplies. Above you can see my Pochade box (easel) stacked on top of my wet panel carrier. In front of that, I have a bag with back-up paints should I run out of a color and the supplies that didn’t fit inside of my pochade box along with a roll of paper towels. I could buy those there, but I’m partial to VIVA since they hold up like rags and I have yet to find that brand in Europe. Lastly, in front of that you can see my tripod and my sun hat is in the lid.

Below I’ve attached a photo that shows you how I pack my clothes in the air space bags and below that is another pair of shoes, toiletries, medicines, etc. Voila! I actually got it all to fit and weigh under the maximum limit of 50 pounds. Thank goodness for dressing in layers so my clothes actually fit.

 
To see my plain air landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her paintings or classes.
 
***
 
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 trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
***

How to Pack Plein Air Painting Supplies for Venice Art Trek with Niki Gulley

February 20, 2023

Niki Gulley, Contemporary Impressionist Painter

Upcoming Venice Art Trek

The other day I showed you how I prepare and carry my canvas when we travel and paint. The next step is to start gathering the rest of my supplies, making sure I have enough paint, etc.

For our upcoming Art Trek that Scott and I are teaching in Venice, I’ve chosen to work with acrylics. I prefer a brand called “Open” acrylics made by Golden. They are slower drying than typical acrylics –perfect for location paintings.

Here you can also see my Pochade box which is a brilliant all-in-one design, where it acts as easel, supply holder and even carries 2 wet canvases in the back. I love it! Just attach it to a tripod or hold it in your lap and you’re ready to go. Also, a pair of gloves, collapsible water holder, brushes, palette knives, paper towels, palette and don’t forget your hat!

Now I just need to squeeze all of this into my suitcase along with my clothes and other travel necessities! Stay tuned…

 
To see my plain air landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her paintings or classes.
 
***
 
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 trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
***

What Art Supplies to Pack on an Overseas Plein Air Painting Trek

February 17, 2023

Contemporary Impressionist Painter – Niki Gulley

Venice Art Trek

People often ask me how I pack my paints and gear when we travel, so I thought you might like to see a sneak peek at that process. Today I started getting ready for the upcoming Art Trek, my husband, Scott Williams, and I are teaching in Venice.

First step is preparing my canvas boards. I don’t like to s*tart on white, so I’ve painted a bunch of different colored acrylic backgrounds and I’ll choose whichever color seems best for the scene that day. Aren’t they fun? Like different color starburst candies!

Next, these will go into my wet painting carrier which has slots in it to keep the wet paintings from touching.

 
To see my plain air landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.
 
***
 
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 trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
***

Painting Godafoss Waterfall with Niki Gulley – Iceland Art Trek

February 7, 2023

9″ x 12” textured oil painting on canvas panel

To purchase, visit nikigulley.com/cascades-iii/.

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

Day 5 – Godafoss

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. We’ll be returning to Iceland in August of 2024!

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

***

“Golden Light” Palette Knife Painting from Iceland by Niki Gulley

August 18, 2022

SOLD • 9″ x 12” textured oil painting on canvas panel

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

Day 8 – Kirkjufellsfoss

Just Sold! We completed our Iceland Art Trek that we taught on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with its dramatic scenery and other worldly feel. First we stopped at Kirkjufell, the cone shaped “church” mountain and its waterfall on the north side of the peninsula, and also the most photographed spot in Iceland. Truly unique in its appearance, this lush conical mass rises from the earth, towering over the flat terrain around it. Sunlight caused the grasses and sky to glow, and I wanted to capture not only the unique, bizarreness of this “Church Mountain,” but also the peaceful river carving its way in front of it reaching out to the sea. Choosing a multi-colored palette adds to the joy and energy of this magical spot.

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.

NikiGulley.com

Painting and Photographing Godafoss Waterfall on Niki Gulley’s and Scott Williams’ Art Trek to Iceland

August 15, 2022

9″ x 12” textured oil painting on canvas panel

To purchase, visit nikigulley.com/cascades-iii/.

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

Day 5 – Godafoss

That evening we arrived in time to witness sunset over the massive Godafoss falls at the top of The Golden Circle. I set out to capture these gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Using diagonal strokes to capture the energy and strength of the cascades, I also wanted to show the mountains they were tumbling over as the water gushed and tumbled. Dramatic sunset clouds drift by, adding to the rhythm and emotion of this special place.The colors were so beautiful in the sky and created a rainbow of reflected colors in the cascading water. Sketching out my composition and squeezing out my colors ahead of time helped me be able to capture this fleeting moment. I hope you can hear the surging water and feel the joy of this magical place.

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. We’ll be returning to Iceland in August of 2024!

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

***

NikiGulley.com

Where Two Continents Collide on Art Treks Iceland Adventure

August 12, 2022

SOLD • 9″ x 12” textured oil painting

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

Day 7 – Thingvellir National Park / Stykkisholmur

Just Sold! On the seventh day of our Iceland Painting and Photography Workshop we led, we stopped by one of the major attractions in Iceland, Thingvellir National Park. One of the highlights is when our group got to “see” where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

After hiking around the park, we ventured onto our last hotel along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. I was taken by their simplistic architecture, often topped with bright red roofs to add a pop of color to the natural landscape. I chose this barn and set out to capture its shape, the colors and light hitting the structure, and the picturesque, idyllic, quiet scenery surrounding the building in all directions. I was drawn to the complimentary color palette of orange/gold grasses contrasted against a beautiful blue sky reflecting into the pond behind the barn. Playing off those colors in the distant mountains, I wanted this piece to be full of texture, joy and energy.

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. We’ll be returning to Iceland in August of 2024!

2023 Schedule

Venice – Carnivalé

Art Trek – Feb. 12-18

•

Tuscany

Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3

•

Provence

Art Trek – June 24- July 1

•

New England

Art Trek – Oct. 10-15

2024 Schedule

Spain

Foodie Trek – March

•

Portugal

Art Trek – March

•

Iceland

Art Trek – August

•

Tuscany

Foodie Trek – October

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

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NikiGulley.com

Last Day of Iceland Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

November 8, 2021

SOLD • 6″ x 8” textured oil painting

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

Day 8 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Just sold! We continued our Art Treks adventure around the country to the west, finishing our trip on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The last stop on our itinerary was to visit the famous Black Church. Being the only church made of black construction material on the island, its distinctive appearance stands out rising out of a relatively large, flat plateau. I wanted to capture not only its color and shape, but the dramatic clouds surrounding it. Working with palette knife and thick oil paint, this little piece is loaded with texture, color and movement.

To treat ourselves at the end of the trip, we went to one of the few Michelin restaurants on the island and had the most delicious, fresh meal with newfound friends. None of us were ready for the trip to end!

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.

Alsace, France – Aug. 2022

Tuscany Foodie Trek – Oct. 2022

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

NikiGulley.com