Afternoon Shadows pastel by Niki Gulley

“Afternoon Shadows” Gilson Park, Chicago, IL ©2010 Niki Gulley

Pastel • 10” x 8”

I used to love going for a Sunday drive with my family when I was a kid. Sometimes we’d head to this park, which ran along Lake Michigan on a perfect autumn afternoon. We’d park and walk along the beach until we got to where the boats were docked, and then we’d wander onto the Bahaii Temple, with its amazing architecture and intricate carved ivory details, before we’d double back. In Afternoon Shadows, I wanted to depict a beautiful autumn day when the leaves are turning, there’s a slight chill in the air, the afternoon sun is casting mysterious long shadows and you can just make out the top of the temple in the distance, all while reminiscing about a simpler time and place.

To see “Afternoon Shadows” in person, stop by my booth at the Oakbrook Fine Art Invitational this weekend in Oakbrook, II. For more information on the show, go to oakbrookcenter.com/events/48th-annual-invitational-fine-art-exhibition.

Or, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

NikiGulley.com

Zen Garden oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Zen Garden" ©2010 Niki Gulley

10" x 8" oil painting

Having grown up in Chicago, this painting is inspired by the Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanic Gardens since I've always loved their grounds ever since I was a little kid. In fact, I painted this piece from a photo I took in high school and have held onto all of these years! I thought it would be fun to paint the scene in thick oil with palette knives. I especially like how the broken color strokes on the water make it look like its surface is shimmering in the sun.

To purchase Zen Garden, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or, if you're in the Chicago area, stop by my booth at Evanston's Fountain Square Art Festival June 26th & 27th, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=123.

NikiGulley.com

Nightfall III, Chicago pastel by Niki Gulley

"Nightfall III," Chicago ©2010 Niki Gulley

10" x 8" pastel

In contrast to the ghost town downtown Dallas can sometimes be at night, I love the energy pulsing through downtown Chicago, especially near Michigan Avenue. Besides the excitement in all of the activity, I like how everything is illuminated and the way the lights sparkle. In Nightfall III, I wanted to contrast the deep purple I saw in the John Hancock building against the glowing Water Tower in front of it, and am pleased with the dreamy effect.

To view this pastel in person, visit my booth at the Wells Street Art Show in Chicago this weekend. See chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=141 for more information.

Or, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

NikiGulley.com

Nightfall II, Chicago pastel by Niki Gulley

"Nightfall II," Chicago ©2010 Niki Gulley

10" x 8" pastel

I wanted to paint a Chicago landmark in a unique way, so I chose this photo of mine to work from of Buckingham Fountain at night. I love how the lights after dark create a dreamy, romantic feel to most scenes, especially when reflecting on water. I remember hearing the symphony in the background synchronizing with the lights on the fountain and creating such a magical night.

To purchase this painting, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or, stop by my booth at the Wells Street Art Show in Chicago this weekend to see it in person, chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=141.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com