New Colorado Columbine Textured Painting by Niki Gulley

      

"Rhythms of Summer III"  ©2023 Niki Gulley

30" x 20" textured oil painting 

Through the pine tree window, Colorado's splendor unfolds before you. Late light casts its golden glow across rolling hills illuminating Columbine and wildflowers along its journey. Contrasting textures of running paint and thick palette knife strokes create extreme dimension, connecting background to foreground, beckoning you onward and bringing the scene to life. May you relish this peaceful odyssey while soaking in the beauty of your surroundings and enjoying the rhythms of mother nature.

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E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my textured Colorado paintings.

To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

Packing Your Suitcase for a Painting Trip to Italy with Niki Gulley

Niki Gulley, Contemporary Impressionist Painter

Upcoming Venice Art Trek Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

The other day I showed you the materials that I take with me when I'm teaching / painting overseas. So, today I thought you might be interested in seeing how in the world all of this gear fits into my suitcase!

So, pretty much 1/2 to 2/3rds of my case ends up being painting supplies. Above you can see my Pochade box (easel) stacked on top of my wet panel carrier. In front of that, I have a bag with back-up paints should I run out of a color and the supplies that didn't fit inside of my pochade box along with a roll of paper towels. I could buy those there, but I'm partial to VIVA since they hold up like rags and I have yet to find that brand in Europe. Lastly, in front of that you can see my tripod and my sun hat is in the lid.

Below I've attached a photo that shows you how I pack my clothes in the air space bags and below that is another pair of shoes, toiletries, medicines, etc. Voila! I actually got it all to fit and weigh under the maximum limit of 50 pounds. Thank goodness for dressing in layers so my clothes actually fit.

To see my plain air landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her paintings or classes.

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know.

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

***

How to Pack Plein Air Painting Supplies for Venice Art Trek with Niki Gulley

Niki Gulley, Contemporary Impressionist Painter

Upcoming Venice Art Trek 

The other day I showed you how I prepare and carry my canvas when we travel and paint. The next step is to start gathering the rest of my supplies, making sure I have enough paint, etc.

For our upcoming Art Trek that Scott and I are teaching in Venice, I've chosen to work with acrylics. I prefer a brand called "Open" acrylics made by Golden. They are slower drying than typical acrylics –perfect for location paintings.

Here you can also see my Pochade box which is a brilliant all-in-one design, where it acts as easel, supply holder and even carries 2 wet canvases in the back. I love it! Just attach it to a tripod or hold it in your lap and you're ready to go. Also, a pair of gloves, collapsible water holder, brushes, palette knives, paper towels, palette and don't forget your hat!

Now I just need to squeeze all of this into my suitcase along with my clothes and other travel necessities! Stay tuned...

To see my plain air landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her paintings or classes.

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know.

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

***

What Art Supplies to Pack on an Overseas Plein Air Painting Trek

Contemporary Impressionist Painter  – Niki Gulley

Venice Art Trek 

People often ask me how I pack my paints and gear when we travel, so I thought you might like to see a sneak peek at that process. Today I started getting ready for the upcoming Art Trek, my husband, Scott Williams, and I are teaching in Venice. 

First step is preparing my canvas boards. I don’t like to s*tart on white, so I’ve painted a bunch of different colored acrylic backgrounds and I’ll choose whichever color seems best for the scene that day. Aren’t they fun? Like different color starburst candies! 

Next, these will go into my wet painting carrier which has slots in it to keep the wet paintings from touching. 

To see my plain air landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

***

If you'd like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know.

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

***

Painting Tranquility in Colorado's Rocky Mountains

16" x 20" textured mixed media painting on canvas by Niki Gulley

Continuing on our journey to escape the Texas heat this summer, we retreated to the gorgeous Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The setting was so beautiful and peaceful that I just had to pull out my paints and start capturing all of that joy and tranquility! Here is my finished painting of the Dillon Reservoir. 

Or, e-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her contemporary landscape paintings. 

See NikiGulley.com

 

 

New Contemporary Summer Aspens Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

 

    

"Rhythms of Summer VI"  ©2022 Niki Gulley

24" x 24" textured mixed media painting on canvas

Colorado in July is such a beautiful sight to behold! Cool mountain breezes and woods loaded with tranquil aspens invigorate your soul while cheerful lupine and native wildflowers lift your spirits and fill your heart with joy. Nature's symphony dances to a tune that is music for your senses. Loaded with texture and color, may "Rhythms of Summer" transport you to this magical land of summer serenity.

•••

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my palette knife aspen and birch paintings.

To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

New Colorado Wildflower Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

  

SOLD • 24" x 36" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

Just Shipped! I was honored when my collectors reached out to me to create two special custom pieces for their new home in Colorado. I just wish it hadn't have been under such tragic circumstances. You see they were one of the unfortunate families devastated by last year's Colorado wildfires and everything they owned was burned to the ground. Truly heartbreaking! 

So, wanting to turn that tragedy around, they definitely needed some beautiful, cheerful landscapes to add joy and color to their new place. First they asked me to create a snow-dappled mountain backdrop loaded with colorful wildflowers frosting the foreground. Sprinkle in few of my signature aspen trees and hopefully nature's palette creates a harmonic concert to fill their hearts and home.

•••

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my textured Colorado paintings.

To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

"Autumn Journey" - Colorado Aspen Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Autumn Journey" ©2020 Niki Gulley

30” x 20" textured oil painting

Inspired by a trip to Colorado in the fall, trying to catch the beautiful autumn aspens leaves before they dropped, we just caught the last glimpse of color before an early snowfall hit. The combination of golden leaves set against the vivid blue sky, and the cool snow shadows contrasted against glowing light highlights as the sun cast its warming rays, was a symphony to the eye! I hope you, too, can slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this winding journey.

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Or, please visit my website at  NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

"Bend Ahead" - New Colorado Aspen Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Bend Ahead” ©2018 Niki Gulley

24” x 18" textured oil painting

Inspired by a trip to Colorado in the fall, trying to catch the beautiful autumn aspens leaves before they dropped, we just caught the last glimpse of color before an early snowfall hit. The combination of golden leaves set against the vivid blue sky, and the cool snow shadows contrasted against glowing light highlights as the sun cast its warming rays, was a symphony to the eye! I hope you, too, can slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this winding journey.

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Or, please visit my website at  NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

"Spring's Glory" oil painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

"Spring’s Glory," Texas Hill Country ©2018 Niki Gulley

 SOLD • 36” x 60” textured oil painting on gallery wrap canvas

Just Sold! “Spring’s Glory” was inspired by a trip to the Texas Hill Country. The spring conditions were perfect, and the bluebonnets were amazing! While we were near Fredericksburg, we took a scenic drive along the Willow City Look and as we approached the top of a hill about half way around, we were greeted by this gorgeous view of the rolling hills and bluebonnets in full bloom. Then, to top it off the sun was setting in the distance casting its golden glow and backlighting the wildflowers. I had to capture the magical moment, enhancing the kaleidoscope of colors in the sky and along the ground. Arranging clouds, the road and rows of bluebonnets in rhythmic sweeping shapes to create a harmonious landscape that flows with light, texture and color, and suggest a feeling of optimism about what’s to come.

To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Texas bluebonnet, Indian Paintbrush and wildflower oil paintings.

"Bend Ahead" - New Colorado Aspen Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Bend Ahead” ©2018 Niki Gulley

24” x 18" textured oil painting

Inspired by a trip to Colorado in the fall, trying to catch the beautiful autumn aspens leaves before they dropped, we just caught the last glimpse of color before an early snowfall hit. The combination of golden leaves set against the vivid blue sky, and the cool snow shadows contrasted against glowing light highlights as the sun cast its warming rays, was a symphony to the eye! I hope you, too, can slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this winding journey.

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Or, please visit my website at  NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

"Oak Alley" Palette Knife Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

"Oak Alley" ©2017 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 16" x 20" textured oil painting

Just Sold! I painted this colorful oak lined alleyway a couple of weeks ago on location at the Fort Worth Stock Yards. I was attracted to the contrast of light and shadows and the way the oaks lined up to lead you down this dappled path into the background Spanish archway, which was illuminated in glowing whites and yellows by the sun. The colors were duller than this and I wanted a warmer feeling to the scene since it was a chilly morning, so I enhanced the hues to create an uplifting backdrop full of color and energy. Utilizing thick paint and palette knife, I also created a lot of texture and movement with my strokes to add to the joyful feeling of painting on this beautiful morning.

For more information on my textured contemporary landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at: nikigulley.com.

New "Spring's Glory," Texas Hill Country oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Spring’s Glory," Texas Hill Country ©2017 Niki Gulley

 36” x 60” textured oil painting on gallery wrap canvas

“Spring’s Glory” was inspired by a trip to the Texas Hill Country. The spring conditions were perfect, and the bluebonnets were amazing! While we were near Fredericksburg, we took a scenic drive along the Willow City Look and as we approached the top of a hill about half way around, we were greeted by this gorgeous view of the rolling hills and bluebonnets in full bloom. Then, to top it off the sun was setting in the distance casting its golden glow and backlighting the wildflowers. I had to capture the magical moment, enhancing the kaleidoscope of colors in the sky and along the ground. Arranging clouds, the road and rows of bluebonnets in rhythmic sweeping shapes to create a harmonious landscape that flows with light, texture and color, and suggest a feeling of optimism about what’s to come.

To see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Texas bluebonnet, Indian Paintbrush and wildflower oil paintings.

***

Or, if you are in the Dallas, TX area, and would like to see "Spring's Glory" along with more of my palette knife oil paintings, please stop by my booth at Richardson's Cottonwood Art Festival this weekend.

Cottonwood Art Festival 

Sat. Oct 7 • 10am – 7pm

Sun. Oct. 8 • 10am – 5pm 

Cottonwood Park • 1321 W. Beltline Rd. Richardson, TX 

cottonwoodartfestival.com

New "Oak Alley" Palette Knife Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

"Oak Alley" ©2017 Niki Gulley

16" x 20" textured oil painting

I painted this colorful oak lined alleyway a couple of weeks ago on location at the Fort Worth Stock Yards. I was attracted to the contrast of light and shadows and the way the oaks lined up to lead you down this dappled path into the background Spanish archway, which was illuminated in glowing whites and yellows by the sun. The colors were duller than this and I wanted a warmer feeling to the scene since it was a chilly morning, so I enhanced the hues to create an uplifting backdrop full of color and energy. Utilizing thick paint and palette knife, I also created a lot of texture and movement with my strokes to add to the joyful feeling of painting on this beautiful morning.

For more information on my textured contemporary landscape paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at: nikigulley.com.

"Bend Ahead" - New Colorado Aspen Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Bend Ahead” ©2016 Niki Gulley

24” x 18" textured oil painting

Inspired by a trip to Colorado in the fall, trying to catch the beautiful autumn aspens leaves before they dropped, we just caught the last glimpse of color before an early snowfall hit. The combination of golden leaves set against the vivid blue sky, and the cool snow shadows contrasted against glowing light highlights as the sun cast its warming rays, was a symphony to the eye! I hope you, too, can slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this winding journey.

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Or, please visit my website at  NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

"Bend Ahead" - New Colorado Aspen Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Bend Ahead” ©2015 Niki Gulley

24” x 18" textured oil painting

Inspired by a trip to Colorado in the fall, trying to catch the beautiful autumn aspens leaves before they dropped, we just caught the last glimpse of color before an early snowfall hit. The combination of golden leaves set against the vivid blue sky, and the cool snow shadows contrasted against glowing light highlights as the sun cast its warming rays, was a symphony to the eye! I hope you, too, can slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this winding journey.

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

Or, please visit my website at  NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape paintings.

Recently Sold - "Summer Escape" Tuscany Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Summer Escape," Tuscany ©2015 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 24" x 24" textured oil painting on wrap around canvas set inside an espresso floater frame

Inspired by our travels to Italy, cypress trees rise out of the vast open landscape signaling that you have arrived in Tuscany! Perched on a hilltop with its long curving driveway, this villa is set against the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Rows of soft wheat sway in the breeze and draw your eye back to the rolling hills and beautiful billowing clouds. Painted with palette knife and thick oil paint, this canvas is loaded with movement, color and dimension.

Or, to see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

For more information on my plein air paintings and workshops in Italy and France, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

"Resolute" Palette Knife Oil Painting by Texas Artist Niki Gulley

“Resolute” ©2015 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 24” x 18” textured oil painting

Just Sold! From our travels, I have become fascinated with the textures, hues and extreme variety we encounter in different terrains. I was intrigued by this one lone tree thriving in this rocky narrow canyon while only  receiving a few hours of sunshine a day. The unique striations and colors in the cliffs were amazing, too. Painted with palette knife and extremely thick oil paint, this painting is loaded with dimension, color and energy!

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her contemporary landscape paintings.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of her available palette knife paintings.

New Tuscany Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Spring's Escape," Tuscany ©2015 Niki Gulley

24" x 24" textured oil painting on wrap around canvas set inside an espresso floater frame

Inspired by our travels to Italy, cypress trees rise out of the vast open landscape signaling that you have arrived in Tuscany! Perched on a hilltop with its long curving driveway, this villa is set against the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Rows of soft wheat sway in the breeze and draw your eye back to the rolling hills and beautiful billowing clouds. Painted with palette knife and thick oil paint, this canvas is loaded with movement, color and dimension.

"Spring's Escape" and several of my contemporary impressionistic landscapes are also on display at the Good Art Company Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX. For more information, please contact http://www.goodartcompany.com/gac/.

Or, to see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

For more information on my plein air paintings and workshops in Italy and France, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

New Tuscany Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Spring's Escape," Tuscany ©2015 Niki Gulley

24" x 24" textured oil painting on wrap around canvas set inside an espresso floater frame

Inspired by our travels to Italy, cypress trees rise out of the vast open landscape signaling that you have arrived in Tuscany! Perched on a hilltop with its long curving driveway, this villa is set against the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape. Rows of soft wheat sway in the breeze and draw your eye back to the rolling hills and beautiful billowing clouds. Painted with palette knife and thick oil paint, this canvas is loaded with movement, color and dimension.

"Spring's Escape" and several of my contemporary impressionistic landscapes are also on display at the Good Art Company Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX. For more information, please contact http://www.goodartcompany.com/gac/.

Or, to see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

For more information on my plein air paintings and workshops in Italy and France, please e-mail Niki Gulley.