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.
“Elevated Love” Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley
“Soaring High” Palette Knife Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

I wanted this painting to be filled with uplifting colors and energetic strokes all leading you skyward, to soar amongst the clouds. Aspen trees reach towards the heavens while gentle breezes cause the sky to dance while you lay on the ground gazing in wonderment. Happy hues, whimsical shapes and a feeling of movement, hopefully transport you to a carefree childhood moment where all of your worries drift away and dreams are created.
“Climbing Trees” Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley
Growing up in the midwest, I loved the first snowfall of the year when everything would get a beautiful dusting of pristine white powder, including even the tiniest of branches in the treetops above. If you caught that moment early enough in the morning before anything had disturbed the intricate frosted web, it was just magical. Then the sun would start rising and peeking through the limbs, and everything would sparkle like diamonds. In Climbing Trees, I wanted to capture that beautiful moment when the sunlight dances through the icing on the treetops and you can feel yourself looking up in wonderment just like you did when you were a kid.
To see more of Niki Gulley’s Palette knife birch and aspen tree paintings, please visit nikigulley.com.
“Soaring Dreams II” by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
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 lavender-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.
“Reclining Thoughts” Textured Aspen Tree painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley
In this painting, I wanted you to you to experience the joy of looking up into the treetops – just like you did when you were a kid. Lying on the ground, not a care in the world, you gaze in wonderment as the clouds drift by. Choosing warm yellows, reds and greens and utilizing thick chunky staccato strokes add to that childlike whimsy and I hope you are transported back to a happy, carefree time and place.
“Autumn Serenade” Palette Knife Fall Foliage Painting by Niki Gulley
36″ x 48″ textured oil painting on wrap around canvas
Shimmering colors of autumn: Aspen, Oak and the forest of trees quiver, their light graceful leaves tremble and quake, silver and gold, scarlet and tangerine, with each light breeze. There is the quiet energy of change coming and vibrant color charges the woods. Crisp fall mountain air, slender trunks cut bright strokes of white against a dazzling kaleidoscope of colors. Staccato strokes and shimmering hues add to the feeling of change in the air and suggest the breeze whistling through the foliage.
“United Journey” Palette Knife Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

“Flowing into Autumn” Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley
“Forest’s Edge” Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.










