New “Spring Hues” Palette Knife Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

September 13, 2017
“Spring Hues” ©2017 Niki Gulley
12″ x 12″ oil on canvas
  
I painted these spring aspen trees with palette knife and extremely thick paint. I love how the chunky paint adds to the texture of the bark and the movement in the foliage and branches. The painting continues around the edges of the wrap around canvas for a sculptural-like frameless piece of art.
 
These aspens and birches look great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of my other 12×12 trees. Hang them horizontally, vertically, on a diagonal or stacked. If interested in seeing companion pieces, please e-mail Niki Gulley for options.
 
To see more of my palette knife seasonal foliage paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

New “Into the Woods” Palette Knife Fall Foliage oil painting by Niki Gulley

September 12, 2017
“Into the Woods” ©2016 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 9″ x 12″” textured oil painting
 
Just Sold!  I painted “Into the Woods” on location when we visited New England last fall during the height of fall foliage. The kaleidoscope of autumn colors was ablaze, and I was attracted to the dappled light sneaking through small gaps in the forested canopy, illuminating the winding path. Painted with palette knife and thick oil paint, this landscape is filled with color, movement and energy!

If you’d like more information or a brochure on one of our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops in Vermont, Tuscany and Ireland, please let me know. 
For more details, e-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com or go to ArtTreks.org.

For more information on my textured contemporary landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
Or, check out my website at: nikigulley.com.

“Following the Leader” Koi Fish Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

September 8, 2017
“Following the Leader” ©2017 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 24″ x 12″ textured oil painting on canvas
 
Just Sold! I’m excited that this painting just won first place at the Artists of Texas H2O show held in Corpus Christi!Gold, white, tangerine – quicksilver Koi slice through silent waters. Playful, darting fish follow each other up through the composition, while cool colors float and ripple across the painting forming tranquil patterns.  A happy threesome glides by, lifting your spirits as you gaze into this vertical panorama while thick strokes of paint created with palette knife add dimension and movement. 

For more information on my textured contemporary landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
 
Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my palette knife oil paintings.

 

“Visions of Azaleas” Palette Knife Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

September 6, 2017
“Visions of Azaleas” ©2017 Niki Gulley
24″ x 12″ textured oil painting on wrap around canvas
 
Painted on location, I set up my easel in front of these prolific azalea bushes along Turtle Creek near my home. The vibrant pinks and fuchsia were so full of life set against the cool green leaves, that I wanted to capture not only that vivid spring color but also the elegant sycamore tree in the distance with its speckled white bark.  Contrasting the height of the vertical tree against the horizontal blooms, I chose this vertical panoramic canvas, and repeating shapes throughout creates a harmony to the overall scene. Painted with palette knife and lots of texture, I hope you can feel the beauty and energy of a perfect spring day.

 
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
E-mail – Niki Gulley

 

“Sunny Delights” Sunflower Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

September 4, 2017
“Sunny Delights” ©2017 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 24″ x 12″ textured oil painting on wrap around canvas
 
Just Sold! Inspired by our travels to Provence, I painted these cheerful sunflowers with extremely thick oil paint and palette knife so that the resulting image leaps off the canvas and is loaded with energy, color and texture.
 
To see more of my palette knife contemporary floral and landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
***

 For more information on our plein air painting and photography Art Treks workshops in Europe, please check out ArtTreks.org.

E-mail – Niki Gulley

Last Day, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

September 1, 2017
©2017 Niki Gulley • 9″ x 12″ Textured oil painting
Day 7, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
On the last day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we painted the quintessential cypress tree clump set among the rolling hills, signifying you’re in Tuscany while the photographers shot the surrounding countryside. That afternoon we went into Pienza to explore, shop and photograph.
 
Scenic overlook in Pienza.
 
We capped the night off with an amazing dinner and drifted off to sleep, full, happy and at peace.
 
***
If you’re interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. The early registration deadline of Sept. 23rd for a $600 on most trips is quickly approaching, so don’t wait!
 
 
FULL – Fall in New England – Oct. 10-15, 2017
FULL – Croatia and Slovenia – May  9 – 17 (or with extended 4 days May 9 – 21 /2018
Venice, Italy (Carnival) – February 3 – 10 /2018
Tuscany, Italy – Sept 7-15, 2018
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – September  14 – 23 /2018   
 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
***
E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 
 
 
 

A Day in Florence with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams, Tuscany Art Trek

August 30, 2017
“Evening Stroll,” Florence ©2017 Niki Gulley • 25″ x 19″ pastel
Day 6, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
On the next day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we hit the ground running by spending a full day in Florence. Visiting the Uffizi and Academy Museums with their incredible collections of Renaissance art, the impressive marble Duomo and famous Bronze Baptistry doors, wandering the cobble stone streets and admiring the stone architecture, fountains and sculptures, and allowing extra time for shopping.
 
 
We ended the day with you guessed it – another delicious meal! Then we wandered back through the romantic golden-lit streets to see the beautiful view of the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno at night. 
 
***
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. The early registration deadline of Sept. 23rd for a $600 on most trips is quickly approaching, so don’t wait!
 
 
FULL – Fall in New England – Oct. 10-15, 2017
FULL – Croatia and Slovenia – May  9 – 17 (or with extended 4 days May 9 – 21 /2018
Venice, Italy (Carnival) – February 3 – 10 /2018
Tuscany, Italy – Sept 7-15, 2018
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – September  14 – 23 /2018   
 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
***
E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 
 
 
 

Visiting Siena Italy with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams on their Tuscany Art Trek

August 28, 2017
Siena ©2017 Niki Gulley • 12″ x 9″ oil painting 
Day 4, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
On the fourth day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we headed to the Medieval hill town of Siena, with its incredible marble Duomo, great people-watching plaza, and interesting alleyways radiating out from the campo with something new to discover around every turn. While some of our group shopped, some photographed and others relaxed on the square, I set up in one of the quiet cobble streets to capture the textures of their ancient walls and this unique old clock tower. For dinner that night, we treated ourselves to a delicious dinner of homemade pici pasta with truffles, fresh local vegetables and of course, some amazing wines!
 
 
***
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. The early registration deadline of Sept. 23rd for a $600 on most trips is quickly approaching, so don’t wait!
 
 
FULL – Fall in New England – Oct. 10-15, 2017
FULL – Croatia and Slovenia – May  9 – 17 (or with extended 4 days May 9 – 21 /2018
Venice, Italy (Carnival) – February 3 – 10 /2018
Tuscany, Italy – Sept 7-15, 2018
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – September  14 – 23 /2018   
 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
***
E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 
 
 
 

Day 5, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

August 25, 2017
View of Pienza ©2017 Niki Gulley • 12″ x 9″ textured oil painting • SOLD
Day 5, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
After a busy day in Siena, we stayed closer to home, visiting the nearby hill town of Montalcino and sampling their famous Brunello wines. Stopping off along the way to visit an ancient Monastery and soaking in views of the rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves.
 
 
That afternoon we took it easy and relaxed at the villa. While some painted the beautiful view of Pienza from our villa, the photographers visited more of the nearby hill towns and others chilled out by the pool. That evening we had a Tuscan mama chef prepare an amazing multi-course dinner at the villa while we enjoyed the gorgeous sunset. A rejuvenating day!
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 
Spaces are filling up quickly, so don’t wait!
 
 
Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 8-16, 2015
The French Riviera – June 18-26, 2015
Provence, France – June 25-July 3, 2015
Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 4-12, 2015
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 11-19, 2015
 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit https://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.
 
***
E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 
 

Day 3, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

August 23, 2017
“Cypress Treetops” ©2017 Niki Gulley • 7″ x 5″ textured oil painting
Day 3, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
On the third day of our Tuscany Art Trek, several of us attended a cooking class in Montepulciano from a Michelin-rated chef. We made hand-rolled pasta with a flavor-packed tomato sauce, osso buco, cheese soufflés and a delicious creamy tiramisu. After we were finished cooking, we sat down to sample our creations and wash it down with a little red wine. What an amazing experience! 
 
 
Later that afternoon, we went onto see the formal Italian garden at La Foce. The giant cypress trees are so interesting that I had to paint a quick study of the treetops. 
 
 
***
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. The early registration deadline of Sept. 23rd for a $600 on most trips is quickly approaching, so don’t wait!
 
 
FULL – Fall in New England – Oct. 10-15, 2017
FULL – Croatia and Slovenia – May  9 – 17 (or with extended 4 days May 9 – 21 /2018
Venice, Italy (Carnival) – February 3 – 10 /2018
Tuscany, Italy – Sept 7-15, 2018
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – September  14 – 23 /2018   
 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
***
E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.