Tokyo Pastel

January 7, 2010


“Imperial Palace” Tokyo, Japan by Niki Gulley
10″ x 8″ pastel
This pastel of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo is inspired by a trip we took to Asia about this same time last year. Our layover in Japan allowed us to explore Tokyo for a couple of days. While the afternoons were cool and crisp, we lucked out with beautiful blue skies and could explore most of the city on foot and subway. I loved the architecture and the unusual flora we encountered. In this pastel, I wanted to convey how peaceful it was on this winter’s morning along with the beauty of the bridge and palace framed by the weeping willow.
For more information, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Venice Painting and Photography Workshop

January 5, 2010

Twilight, Venice

“Twilight, Venice” by Niki Gulley
11″ x 14″ pastel

In anticipation of our upcoming painting/photography workshop that my husband and I are teaching in Venice, Italy this spring, I thought I’d put my excitement down on canvas. I can’t wait to get back to the beauty and magic of Venice. I love entering a different world and time when we visit. This piece is inspired by the glow cast from the sun setting beyond the lagoon. Most of the gondolas have returned from their romantic cruises and have been put up for the night. There is a calmness to the usually bustling waterway that I thoroughly enjoy this time of day.

If interested in “Twilight, Venice” or in more information about our next painting/photography workshop in Italy, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or, visit nikigulley.com/ng2/?page_id=13 for more information. The registration deadline of Jan. 30th is quickly approaching!

Textured Aspen Oil Sketch

January 3, 2010
7″ x 5″ oil painting by Niki Gulley
Another chunky sculpted oil painting with 1/4 inch thick paint.

E-mail me for more information about this painting or other similar chunky oil sketches at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Chunky Birch Oil Painting

December 31, 2009

<div style=”text-align: center;”><a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_INTzayKUBM8/SzzFOQ6oZtI/AAAAAAAAAJI/S3OWSi5yays/s1600-h/chunky+birch+4.jpg”><img style=”margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_INTzayKUBM8/SzzFOQ6oZtI/AAAAAAAAAJI/S3OWSi5yays/s320/chunky+birch+4.jpg” alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421424900296959698″ border=”0″ /></a><span style=”font-weight: bold;”>7″ x 5″ oil painting by Niki Gulley</span>
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Here is a new chunky oil sketch in which I’m playing around with colors and extremely thick oil paint.

E-mail me for more information at <a href=”mailto:nikigulley@sbcglobal.net”>Niki@NikiGulley.com.</a>
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Home Portraits

December 29, 2009

8″ x 10″ pastel by Niki Gulley

Here is a home portrait I recently completed for a Christmas gift. It was challenging capturing all of the architectural details of the house in an 8″ x 10″ pastel, but I’m pleased with how it turned out and the home owner loved it, too! If interested in commissioning me to create a unique painting or pastel for you, contact me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Frosted Sunrise

December 26, 2009

“Frosted Sunrise” ©2009 Niki Gulley
14″ x 11″ acrylic

Crystal Mill – Colorado oil painting

December 23, 2009


“Crystal Mill” ©2009 Niki Gulley
14″ x 11″ oil painting

Another snow scene – this one was inspired from a trip to Colorado. I thought this setting, with the river and the snow and the old mill, looked like it came right out of a postcard. Just beautiful!

Winter’s Calm

December 21, 2009

“Winter’s Calm” ©2009 Niki Gulley
pastel 16″ x 20″

This pastel was inspired by one of our few snowfalls in Dallas a few years ago. I bundled up and ran out with my camera in the morning to capture the moment before the sun melted all of the snow later that day. Having grown up in Chicago, I love the beauty and peacefulness from the first snowfall of the year. I just prefer living here so that it doesn’t last more than a day and there’s no shoveling involved!

Nomination for White House Artwork

December 16, 2009

“Road Less Taken” ©2009 Niki Gulley
48″ x 36″ oil on canvas

This painting is inspired from fond memories of growing up in the Chicago area and visiting our nature preserves on a crisp autumn day. I wanted to capture the mist hanging in the air and the mystery of the light coming through the intertwining branches. The autumn leaves have all fallen to the ground and collected at the sides of the path. There is a chill in the air and yet the path beckons you to wander along it not knowing what lies in the distance.

To my surprise and delight, “Road Less Taken,” also moved the students at Irving High School to select this piece out of thousands of paintings by other talented Texas artists to present to President Obama as artwork he should display at the White House. After speaking to the class yesterday, I feel even more honored by their nomination. Thanks to Miss Vega and her seniors at Irving High School!

E-mail me for more information at Niki@NikiGulley.com.