"Dining al Fresco" Venice pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

Dining al Fresco, Venice - 12"X18" Pastel by Niki Gulley

A warm evening breeze stirs, caressing your face as you dine. The sights and sounds of Venice mingle before your eyes, an unfolding opera of color and light. A couple strolls, enamored with the beauty that envelopes them, drawn into the Italian night, hand in hand. The love between them is nearly palpable, and as they pass you by, you feel it radiate off of them, just as the light spreads itself against the encroaching night.

The soft touch of the pastels help to capture the calm evening. Venice is filled with the romance and this scene really resonated with me. The warm palette gives one a feeling of calm, a comforting touch, as if by a summer breeze. 

***

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Europe, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Treks. We'd love to have you along! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to arttreks.org for more details.

For more information on "Dining al Fresco," please e-mail Niki Gulley nikigulley@sbcglobal.net.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings.

"Bon Appetito" Venice pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

“Bon Appetito” by Niki Gulley
Pastel on board • 24” x 36”

On my first trip to Europe, my husband wanted to take me to Venice since it was one of his favorite cities, and I fell in love with almost everything about it. The timeless quality created by living on canals free of cars, the history in the architecture and even the cobbled walkways, the beauty of the scenery and the magical quality created by the light to name just a few of my favorite things. I love how food and meals play such an important role in Italian culture – a time to slow down and enjoy friendships while savoring the locally grown cuisine and wines over the course of the evening. In this pastel I wanted to communicate all of those joyful feelings in addition to capturing the energy and romance of the city at night. Bon Appetito!

***

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Treks. We'd love to have you with us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details.

For more information on "Bon Appetito," please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings.

"A Pause in Time" Venice pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

“A Pause in Time” Venice, Italy by Niki Gulley

18” x 24” pastel

Mysterious, enchanted, dreamlike – Venice is a fairytale at night. 

Evening has drawn its starry cloak over the city, the crowds and pigeons are gone and three women enjoy the evening at a café in Piazza San Marco. 

This changeling city, this artist’s muse now is unhurried, relaxed and romantic

and this one perfect moment in time is held in artful pastels, satiated colors – 

rich velvet textures capture ebony/violet chairs that Peggy, Pollock or Cole Porter may have sat in,

paintings of angels from old Venice and three modern women of today complete this delicate balance in a point of time.

This piece won an award at the Southwest Pastel Society's National Juried Show Exhibit.

***

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Treks. We'd love to have you join us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details.

For more information on "Bon Appetito," please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings and pastels.

"Santorini Sunset" Pastel Landscape by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

"Santorini Sunset" ©2014 Niki Gulley
12" x 24" pastel

My husband and I honeymooned in Greece and fell in love with everything about it. Definitely one of our favorite spots was the island of Santorini for its beautiful views of the Caldera, its white-washed architecture with the signature blue domes, the laid back attitude and the warmth of the people. Here is a view at the far end of the island in the town of Oia. I wanted to capture the "skyline," ocean view and the gorgeous sunset that night.

***

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Greece, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Athens and Santorini, Greece May 8-16, 2015. We'd love to have you join us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details on France, Greece, or our Italy Art Treks.

For more information on "Santorini Sunset," please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings and pastels.

"Dining al Fresco" Venice pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

Dining al Fresco, Venice - 12"X18" Pastel ©2014 Niki Gulley

A warm evening breeze stirs, caressing your face as you dine. The sights and sounds of Venice mingle before your eyes, an unfolding opera of color and light. A couple strolls, enamored with the beauty that envelopes them, drawn into the Italian night, hand in hand. The love between them is nearly palpable, and as they pass you by, you feel it radiate off of them, just as the light spreads itself against the encroaching night.

The soft touch of the pastels help to capture the calm evening. Venice is filled with the romance and this scene really resonated with me. The warm palette gives one a feeling of calm, a comforting touch, as if by a summer breeze. 

***

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 7-14, 2015. We'd love to have you join us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details on France, Greece, or our Italy Art Treks.

For more information on "Dining al Fresco," please e-mail Niki Gulley nikigulley@sbcglobal.net.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings and pastels.

"A Pause in Time" Venice pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“A Pause in Time” Venice, Italy ©2012 Niki Gulley

18” x 24” pastel

Mysterious, enchanted, dreamlike – Venice is a fairytale at night.

Evening has drawn its starry cloak over the city, the crowds and pigeons are gone and three women enjoy the evening at a café in Piazza San Marco.

This changeling city, this artist’s muse now is unhurried, relaxed and romantic

and this one perfect moment in time is held in artful pastels, satiated colors – 

rich velvet textures capture ebony/violet chairs that Peggy, Pollock or Cole Porter may have sat in,

paintings of angels from old Venice and three modern women of today complete this delicate balance in a point of time.

This piece won an award at the Southwest Pastel Society's 31st National Juried Show Exhibit.

***

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 7-14, 2015. We'd love to have you join us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details on France, Greece, or our Italy Art Treks.

For more information on "Bon Appetito," please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings and pastels.

"Bon Appetito" Venice pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Bon Appetito” ©2014 Niki Gulley
Pastel 24” x 36”

On my first trip to Europe, my husband wanted to take me to Venice since it was one of his favorite cities, and I fell in love with almost everything about it. The timeless quality created by living on canals free of cars, the history in the architecture and even the cobbled walkways, the beauty of the scenery and the magical quality created by the light to name just a few of my favorite things. I love how food and meals play such an important role in Italian culture – a time to slow down and enjoy friendships while savoring the locally grown cuisine and wines over the course of the evening. In this pastel I wanted to communicate all of those joyful feelings in addition to capturing the energy and romance of the city at night. Bon Appetito!

***

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 7-14, 2015. We'd love to have you join us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details on France, Greece, or our Italy Art Treks.

For more information on "Bon Appetito," please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings and pastels.

"Coming Up Sunshine" New Sunflower Palette Knife painting by Niki Gulley

“Coming Up Sunshine" ©2014 Niki Gulley

24" x 12" textured oil painting on wrap around canvas

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 landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com or if you are in the Dallas area this weekend, please stop by my booth at the Deep Ellum Arts Festival.

Deep Ellum Art Festival (TX)
Fri. April 4 • 11pm – 9pm
Sat. April 5 • 11am – 9pm
Sun. April 6 • 11am – 7pm
Dallas • booth #39 on Main @Walton
DeepEllumArtsFestival.com

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

or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Plein Air Painting Workshops with Niki Gulley

The Alhambra • Granada, Spain ©2013 Niki Gulley

5" x 8" watercolor

After teaching our workshop in Venice, my husband and I continued onto southern Spain and visited the city of Granada to see the impressive Alhambra castle. Since the walk up to this vantage point was quite strenuous and far from our hotel, I decided to pack light and take my small watercolor kit. The portability of the watercolors turned out perfect and I was able to create this painting before the light changed too dramatically, and still had time to watch the sunset afterwards!

If you'd like to join us on one of our upcoming European Art Treks, please let me know. Closer to home I'll be leading a Plein Air Painting Workshop sponsored through the Good Art Company gallery in Fredericksburg, TX, April 5-7 and an afternoon class at the Dallas Arboretum, March 13th from 3pm - 7pm.

ArtTreks
Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 6-14, 2013
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 13-22, 2013
Provence, France - June 2014
Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
For more details, E-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Plein Air Painting in the Texas Hill Country
During bluebonnet and wildflower season!

April 5-7, 2013

http://goodartcompany.com/gacart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=39_47&products_id=215

These workshops are filling up quickly, so we encourage you to register soon!

***

www.NikiGulley.com

Plein Air Painting Workshop in Venice, Italy with Niki Gulley - Day 4, the Rialto Market

"Tunnel Vision," Venice ©2013 Niki Gulley

10" x 8" • textured oil painting

On the fourth day of our Venice Art Trek, we headed to the Rialto bridge and set up our easels by the morning market. Below you can see one of my watercolor students, Melissa, painting the clock tower, while others wandered the fruit, vegetable, meat and fish stands. I chose the vantage above because I liked the repetition of the arches in the negative space and how the back of the scene was flooded with light and activity on the Grand Canal.

If you'd like to join us on one of our upcoming European Art Treks, please let me know. Closer to home I'll be leading a Plein Air Painting Workshop sponsored through the Good Art Company gallery in Fredericksburg, TX, April 5-7.

ArtTreks
Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 6-14, 2013
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 13-22, 2013
Provence, France - June 2014
Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
For more details, E-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Plein Air Painting in the Texas Hill Country
During bluebonnet and wildflower season!

April 5-7, 2013

http://goodartcompany.com/gacart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=39_47&products_id=215

These workshops are filling up quickly, so we encourage you to register soon!

***

www.NikiGulley.com

Painting in Venice with Niki Gulley

“Bon Appetito” ©2012 Niki Gulley
Pastel 24” x 36”

On my first trip to Europe, my husband wanted to take me to Venice since it was one of his favorite cities, and I fell in love with almost everything about it. The timeless quality created by living on canals free of cars, the history in the architecture and even the cobbled walkways, the beauty of the scenery and the magical quality created by the light to name just a few of my favorite things. I love how food and meals play such an important role in Italian culture – a time to slow down and enjoy friendships while savoring the locally grown cuisine and wines over the course of the evening. In this pastel I wanted to communicate all of those joyful feelings in addition to capturing the energy and romance of the city at night. Bon Appetito!

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 2-9. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop

Carnivalé - Venice, Italy

Feb. 2-9, 2013

Taught by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Final Registration deadline: Nov. 18

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

NikiGulley.com

Nov. 10th deadline for Greece Art Trek

“Rooftop View” Santorini, Greece ©2012 Niki Gulley

10” x 20” oil painting

The view from our hotel that we’ll be staying at in May for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop to Greece is amazing! In this oil painting, I wanted to capture the beautiful sea below with the vertically stacked puzzle piece architecture indicative of Santorini.

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Greece, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Athens and Santorini on May 10-18. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop

Athens and Santorini, Greece

May 10-18, 2013

Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams

Early Registration for a $500 savings: Nov. 10

Final Registration deadline: Dec. 15

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

This workshop is already over half full, so we encourage you to register soon!

NikiGulley.com

"Villa View," Tuscany Painting Workshop with Niki Gulley

“Villa View,” Tuscany ©2011 Niki Gulley

Oil on canvas • 8” x 24”

When we teach our workshop in Tuscany, the villa and its views are so beautiful that I just had to paint it. The quintessential stone farmhouse is surrounded by these unobstructed amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding valleys and hill towns. I decided to go with a panorama format because it seemed the only way to communicate the expansive landscape around the property, and even that doesn’t begin to do it justice. I chose to work with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives since you don’t see Tuscany painted that way very often and it’s so much fun to play with all of that paint.

Another view from the villa by one of my students. Very talented!

If you'd like to join us for our next Plein-Air Painting & Photography Workshop, Sept. 2 -10, e-mail Niki Gulley for more information, or visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13. The early deadline for a $400 discount is just a week away!

NikiGulley.com

Painting in Santorini, Greece with Niki Gulley

"Rooftop View," Santorini, Greece ©2010 Niki Gulley

10" x 20" oil painting

I painted this scene of Santorini right next to where we will be staying for our upcoming Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop that my husband and I will be teaching this May in Greece. Besides this being a gorgeous location, I chose the panorama format to show both the unique stacked white-washed houses and their amazing views of the sea. I like how the one or two colored buildings add a pop of contrast amongst all of the blue and white.

If you would like to paint with us in Greece this May, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13

for more details. Register by Dec. 15th and save $400 on the cost of the trip!

If you'd like more information, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Painting Workshops in Greece with Niki Gulley

“Rooftop View” © 2010 Niki Gulley

Oil painting • 10” x 20”

Journeying on from Rome, we next flew to the gorgeous island of Santorini to complete the research for our next workshop we’re teaching in Greece, May 2011. The Aegean didn’t disappoint. It was just as we remembered from our honeymoon, with gorgeous blue waters contrasting with the brilliant white-washed Greek homes stacked along the Caldera. With the breath-taking views, all you can do is simply relax and soak in all that beauty.

Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshop

Tuscany, Italy – September 2010 & 2011

Athens & Santorini, Greece – May 2011

Led by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams

Our trip to Tuscany for this year is full, but please join us next September in Tuscany or May 2011 in Greece.

Visit nikigulley.com/ng2/?page_id=13 for more details.

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com

NikiGulley.com

Painting Tuscany with Niki Gulley

“Crimson Waves” © 2010 Niki Gulley

Oil on canvas • 18” x 48”

Yesterday we painted the beautiful rolling hills that make Tuscany so picturesque, after a leisurely morning of hill town touring and wine sampling. Being in Tuscany right at harvest time makes the grapes taste even better! It was a perfect 78 degrees and so peaceful in this perfect spot where we set up our easels. I find the cypress trees really fascinating and unique, creating such a striking contrast to the otherwise flat surroundings. A very inspirational day!

Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshop

Tuscany, Italy – September 2010 & 2011

Athens & Santorini, Greece – May 2011

Led by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams

Our trip to Tuscany for this year is full, but please join us next September in Tuscany or May 2011 in Greece.

Visit nikigulley.com/ng2/?page_id=13 for more details.

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com

NikiGulley.com

Tuscan Hill Town Pastel by Niki Gulley

“Sienna Passageway” © 2010 Niki Gulley

Pastel 12” x 9”

Yesterday we visited the medieval walled city of Sienna in Italy. I love the cobbled streets and stone architecture of the buildings, and watching the world go by in the town square with a gelato just like the locals. Pastels are the perfect medium for capturing a quick sketch of the cobbled alleyway filled with dramatic light and unique shadows.

Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshop

Tuscany, Italy – September 2010 & 2011

Athens & Santorini, Greece – May 2011

Led by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams

Our trip to Tuscany for this year is full, but please join us next September in Tuscany or May 2011 in Greece.

Visit nikigulley.com/ng2/?page_id=13 for more details.

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com

NikiGulley.com

Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshops with Niki Gulley

“Rolling Hills,” Tuscany ©2010 Niki Gulley

Pastel • 7” x 5”

With our upcoming Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop that me and my husband, Scott Williams, are teaching in Tuscany, I started thinking about how much I love the region. The rolling countryside is breathtaking, the people are so warm & friendly, the food and wine are to die for, and the architecture and medieval walled cities are filled with history. In this little pastel, I hope you can take a moment to pause and soak in the beautiful Tuscan hillsides bathed in their mysterious soft light.

Our Tuscany workshop is full for this September, but if you would be interested in joining us next September in Tuscany or next May in the gorgeous Greek Isles, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13 or e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information.

NikiGulley.com

Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshops - Tuscany with Niki Gulley

"Poppy Passion" ©2010 Niki Gulley

18" x 36" oil painting

Our upcoming workshop that we're teaching in Tuscany makes me think about the gorgeous poppy fields blooming along the rolling Italian hills in springtime. To think that such a delicate flower can produce that powerful explosion of color when planted in mass boggles my senses. Seeing that sudden burst of intense orange or red against the azure blue sky after miles of green countryside is quite amazing. I love how complimentary colors, like blue and orange, vibrate when placed next to each other and I wanted to communicate that beauty and excitement in "Poppy Passion," while reliving some of my favorite vacation memories from Tuscany – the warmth of the people, the beauty of the rolling hills and vineyards, the delicious, savory slow-grown food and wine and enjoying the laid-back, smell-the-roses time with my loved ones.

If you like to see "Poppy Passion" in person and you're in the Chicago area, stop by my booth #89 at the Oakbrook Fine Art Invitational this weekend. Visit oakbrookcenter.com for more information or check out my website NikiGulley.com.

If you'd like to find out more about our upcoming Painting & Photography Workshops in Europe, go to nikigulley.com/?page_id=13 or e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information.