While driving from Santa Fe to Taos, this scene literally stopped me in my tracks. Something about that giant rocky mound rising up from the surrounding flat expanse contrasted against the complimentary colored sky was so graphic and surreal. Add to that the bizarre juxtaposition of the stop sign encroaching on what once was uninhabited desert landscape, and I felt like this painting had something to say.
On one of our first trips together, my husband and I drove to Colorado to capture the fall foliage, and were greeted by one of the earliest snowfalls on record. While not the golden aspen glory we expected, the pristine white of that first dusting was beautiful. I loved this scenic overlook as we rounded the corner, and as you can see there was no shoulder to pull over on to capture the scene. So quickly grabbing my camera, I snapped away as we whizzed past. In this shot, I particularly liked a sliver of the school-bus-yellow 45mph sign contrasting against the vivid azure sky and framing the right side of the composition to lead your eye back into the breathtaking drive.
We spend a lot of time in the car, between driving across country for art shows, exploring new places for inspiration, and traveling while teaching painting and photography workshops, so in this new series I’ve felt compelled to capture my views from the passenger seat. This particular painting was inspired by one of our plein air painting workshops we taught in Santa Fe. Not only do I love the various rock formations and dramatic New Mexico skies, but I relish the sense of open space after living in a city. Looking out on the expansive horizon, I get the feeling that anything is possible and a new discovery is just around the next bend. In “Road Trip” I combine this low angle of the road along with energetic diagonal strokes to give you the feeling of driving over the next hill in search for whatever your journey holds next.
“Sunny Moments IV” ©2012 Niki Gulley
12″ x 12″ textured oil on canvas
If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
“Texas Treats IV” ©2012 Niki Gulley
12″ x 12″ textured mixed media on canvas
If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
“Seasonal Shifts, Spring” ©2012 Niki Gulley
12″ x 12″ textured oil on canvas
If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
“Meandering Way” ©2012 Niki Gulley
This piece won an award at the Southwest Pastel Society’s 31st National Juried Show Exhibit. It will be on display at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX through Dec. 2nd
Water pounds its way down the falls: cascading, rushing, charging into the riverbed — flowing over rocks, swiftly moving forward. Untamed, the surge finds its way over, under, around the boulder-strewn river. Tumbling waters drive up mists above the falls, the rhythmic sounds create a soothing harmony below. Autumn’s low light casts long lines through the Aspen trees and glowing verge.