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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.
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
Just Sold! On a recent trip, we came across these gigantic cacti. I had never seen such a large cactus before and I was awestruck by its age and size. Purposely choosing this angle from below and narrowing the perspective as it stretches to the dramatic clouds drifting by in the sky, you can get a sense of its scale. Filled with vibrant colors and dragging my paint in swirling, diagonal patterns add to the energy and joy of the scene.
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
In this painting I wanted you to feel that child-like wonder of staring up into the treetops and heavens above. Choosing uplifting golds and reds contrasted against a turquoise-blue sky with gentle clouds drifting by, I’ve arranged the aspens in a circular pattern to give you a sense of laying on the ground, surrounded by the forest. Using diagonal leading lines with the tree trunks and limbs, your eye gazes into the focal point where all of the elements come together. Meanwhile, utilizing thick, curving paint strokes adds to that joyful, playful feeling of hope and discovery.
SOLD • 36″ x 48″ textured oil painting on wrap around canvas
Early on a fall morning the sun breaks softly through leafy branches and casts early autumn’s palette across the creek. Silent water is ruffled by a gentle breeze. Arching over, bending into the quiet waters, a tree arches into the scene – encompassing, embracing. This painting captures the dreamy reflections and tranquil landscape of one of my favorite spots to paint on location near my home. It is painted in the traditional plein air oil manner, incorporating some heavy texture with palette knife.
If you’d like to see or find out more details about “Blazing a Trail,” it is available through:
Studio Seven Arts Gallery
Just Sold through Marigold Arts Gallery! Painting in the mountains, especially this year was so cathartic and emotional. It was such a joy to be there surrounded by these amazing fall colors, that it would bring me to tears every day. I felt so fortunate to be able to do this when so many people weren’t able to travel, that I poured my heart and soul into every painting. I hope that you can feel the joy that I felt when you see them.
To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.