The Magic of Tuscany Painted by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

November 24, 2022

  

SOLD • 16″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel ©2022 Niki Gulley
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 6, Afternoon: Cooking Class
 
After a fun-filled morning of wine tasting, we returned to our villa to learn how to make authentic Tuscan meals from a local home chef. From hand rolled pasta, to roasted pork, to various pizzas and appetizers and finishing with a chocolate cherry ricotta torte, they shared their homemade creations with the rest of us, which were delicious!
 
While the rest of our group was learning how to recreate an Italian feast, I had been admiring this view from the back of our villa. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking with 360 degree views of rolling hills and valleys, dotted by olive groves and quintessential Tuscan farmhouses. Today the late afternoon light was so beautiful how it cast its golden glow on the landscape, and I had to capture it before it was gone. Uplifting flowers from the Tuscan garden frame the foreground as the serpentine roads lead you up over the hills and into the distance. I hope you enjoy the escape to beautiful Tuscany, too, when you gaze at my painting!
 
***
 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
 

 

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

Painting and Photographing Pienza with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

November 23, 2022

 

SOLD • 12″ x 9″ textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

 

Day 7, Pienza:  TUSCANY FOODIE TREK

Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we explored the picturesque, quaint town of Pienza to enjoy its cobbled alleyways and amazing views of the valleys below. Having been home to Pope Pius II, the town is filled with interesting historical sites, great shopping, delicious lunch spots and plenty of interesting corners to paint. I chose this doorway since I loved the texture of the stone walls, the potted plants around it, and the soft light raking across it.

We capped the night off with an amazing Michelin dinner surrounded by new friends and drifted off to sleep, full, happy and at peace.
 
 
***
 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
 

 

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

Long and Winding Cypress Road Painting by Niki Gulley

November 22, 2022

 

SOLD • 6″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas ©2022 Niki Gulley
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 5:  Italian Renaisance Garden
 
Today we visited an operating Italian Renaissance garden. Formal and organized with clipped boxwoods and plantings in symmetrical stone urns, impressive travertine column staircases, and the largest indoor potted citrus grove in the area, it was interesting to see the contrast between an Italian garden and an American garden, and the challenges of getting irrigation to the remote property. 
 
I was also able to paint this unique view from near the gardens of this long, winding road dotted with cypress trees – quintessential Tuscany!
 
 
***
 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
 

 

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

Visiting Vineyards and Wine Tasting with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

November 21, 2022

 

16″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel ©2022 Niki Gulley
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 6: Wine Tasting in Montalcino
 
Today we visited the nearby hill town of Montalcino and sampled their famous Brunello wines. The vino was beyond delicious and the spread of homemade bruschetta and local meats and cheeses were paired perfectly. Stopping off along the way, we toured an ancient Monastery that feels so spiritual in its divine simplicity that everyone found it a highlight of the trip.
 
In the above painting you can see an example of the vineyards dotting the hills of this Tuscan region. With the weather turning colder, you can see the first signs of fall as these colorful grapevines turn beautiful oranges and golds. I was attracted to the vibrant vines contrasted against the progressive miles of rolling hills dotted with more grapevines, olive trees, and plowed grain fields. The gorgeous, plump purple grapes were ready to harvest at any moment. Setting up my easel across from this vineyard, I began recreating the soft light that would break through the clouds and illuminate various hilltops and plantings. I arranged the vines to lead your eye back to the hill town and the beautiful countryside. I hope you can taste the delicious wine and escape to Tuscany with me!
 
 
 
***
 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
 

 

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

New Rooftop Overlook from Tuscany by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

November 18, 2022

 

9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel ©2022 Niki Gulley 
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 3:  Montepulciano, Italy
 
During our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we headed to the wine town of Montepulciano. Scott took our group on a tour of the city, making sure to visit the underground Etruscan tunnels, stopping at some of the wineries for some samples and allowing everyone to do some shopping.
 
Meanwhile, I set up my easel at this breathtaking overlook. The view of the valley below is gorgeous with miles of olive groves and vineyards stretching to the horizon. I chose to paint the this puzzle of rooftops and buildings stacked in the foreground with the lush valley stretching into the distance. I hope you enjoy the morning escape to Tuscany!
 
After lunch, we visited a winery nearby to sample their Rossos, Vino Nobiles and the delicious sweet dessert wine, Vin Santo. 
 
 
 
 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
 

 

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

Tuscany Foodie Trek Led by Artists Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

November 17, 2022
9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel  ©2022 Niki Gulley 
 
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 4:  Cooking Class with Restaurant Chef
 
After another gorgeous leisurely morning at our villa, we all enjoyed learning how to cook authentic Tuscan food from a restaurant chef in one of the neighboring hill towns. From rolling out pici pasta to stuffing squash blossoms, to indulging in the most delicious tiramisu, we feasted like kings for lunch, savoring the fruits of our labor while also learning and sampling some of the region’s best wines. 
 
 

That afternoon after a stopping for a couple of scenic photos of the Italian countryside we returned to relax at the villa. Above you can see one of the most iconic stops in Tuscany. And, I’ve always been attracted to this lone clump of cypress trees. Today, I liked how the late afternoon sun was casting such long dramatic shadows on the ground and I decide to accentuate the cool blues and violets I saw in the darks to contrast with the gold rolling hills. I decided to have fun with the colors and strokes to add to the excitement and drama of the moment.

 

That evening we went into town for a delicious meal of melted pecorino and homemade rustic bread, pici (hand rolled pasta) with wild boar sauce or truffle ravioli for others, fresh organic vegetables and of course the local red wine to top it off!

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
 

 

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

Tuscany Foodie Trek with Scott Williams and Niki Gulley

November 16, 2022

 

View from our Villa, Tuscany ©2022 Niki Gulley • 16″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
Day 1, Tuscany Foodie Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 

On the first day of our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we picked everyone up from the Rome airport and drove them to our new abode for the next week, nestled amongst the rolling Tuscan hills.  The villa is beautiful and the view so spectacular that we just relax and soak in that gorgeous scenery the first day. Some people enjoyed the pool while others got settled in. That night we had a chef prepare a 7 course authentic family meal right at the villa, washed down with some vino Nobile and prosecco. A great way to kick off the trip!

And, above you can see my first painting from the Trek. This is the spectacular view from the breakfast table at our villa. It’s soooo beautiful! I love watching the light and shadows form on the farmer’s field and the gorgeous rosemary and flowers in bloom in the foreground just added so much joy and color to the scene.

 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
 

 

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

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

November 15, 2022

 

“Duomo,” Siena ©2022 Niki Gulley 
5″ x 7″ oil painting on panel
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 2:  Siena, Italy
 
During the Foodie Trek that my husband and I led in Tuscany, we headed to the Medieval hill town of Siena, with its incredible church, great people-watching plaza, and interesting alleyways radiating out from the Campo with something new to discover around every turn. 
 
While most of our group toured inside the Duomo, I chose to set up my easel and capture it’s impressive facade. Beautiful pink, green, white and black marble are stacked in such intricate patterns, it’s impossible to capture on a 5″ x 7″ canvas but I was able to at least suggest some of those colors and its scale, while showing the energy around it with people bustling in every direction.
 
 
That evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner with  pasta doing the backstroke in truffles and pecorino cream while sharing our experiences. What a fantastic day!
 
 
 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
 

 

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

 

“Sun’s Glory” Abstract Sunflower Painting by Niki Gulley

November 9, 2022

    

“Sun’s Glory” ©2022 Niki Gulley
36″ x 36″ textured oil painting on wrap around canvas
 

 I wanted this piece to be uplifting and full of color and energy. The sun rises on the horizon, casting its beautiful glow across golden petals while perky, circular faces smile back at you. Magical light dances through the morning field, bringing sunshine and hope for the day to come.

“Sun’s Glory” is available through:
 
The Statton Gallery
137 Spring Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632

•••

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my abstract landscape paintings.

To see more of my contemporary textured wildflower paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. We’ll be returning to Tuscany next May!
 
 

 

 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
•
New England
Art Trek – Oct. 10-15
 

 

 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
***

 https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

“Walking in Sunshine” a sunflower painting by Niki Gulley painting

November 8, 2022

 

 
“Walking in Sunshine” ©2022 Niki Gulley 
16″ x 20″ textured oil painting

Follow the path leading you through bright, smiling sunflower faces as big as dinner plates, filling you with more joy with each step. A quaint stone farmhouse in the distance welcomes you to come in and enjoy the view as the sun starts to set over the horizon and cast its late day glow. Full of warmth, color and texture, my hope is that when you gaze into this piece, it lifts your spirits and brightens up any spot in your home.

Please visit the Good Art Company Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX at goodartcompany.com/niki-gulley for more details on this “Natural Flow” series filled with joy, color and texture!

***
 
For details on more of my sunflower and contemporary floral landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.


Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

 

 
2023 Schedule
Venice – Carnivalé 
Art Trek – Feb. 12-18
•
Tuscany
Foodie Trek – May 27 – June 3
•
Provence
Art Trek – June 24- July 1
 
•
New England
Art Trek – Oct. 10-15