"Twilight," Venice Pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

"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," e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

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

For more information about our next painting/photography workshops in Italy and other European locations, go to ArtTreks.org.

"Autumn Symphony" pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

“Autumn Symphony” ©2014 Niki Gulley

Pastel • 24” x 36”

This is a quiet, protected creek by our house that I like escaping to when I need a break from city life. On this perfect autumn day, there was the gentlest of breezes rustling the leaves, the vibrant fall foliage was at its peak and the only sounds to be heard came from the trickling of the nearby waterfall and the birds’ sweet melodies.

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information about "Autumn Symphony."

Please visit my website at NikiGulley.com  to see more of my pastels and oil paintings of contemporary landscapes.

Adopt - a - Art Show for Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Meandering Way" ©2012 Niki Gulley

25" x 19" pastel

In "Meandering Way," I wanted you to be transported to a beautiful autumn day, completely surrounded by nature. Hiking through the forest, hearing the leaves crunching under foot and the canopy rustling above, you can be totally carefree and lost in the peaceful moment. Making short energetic strokes with my pastels and including vivid warm colors add to that joyful feeling of being immersed in nature.

This pastel along with several others will be available at our "Adopt - a - Art" party on Dec. 7th and 8th. As some of you may know, we are planning to move to a larger studio space and while we would love to take all of our precious friends with us, we would rather not move everything and start with a clean studio space. Consequently, we are going to do something this year that we have never done before and may never do again, we are going to have an adoption weekend. There will be nominal fees associated with some of these to cover the care and feeding of them over the years and all of our little friends will be available for viewing, ready to go to new homes. We hope that you can make it!

Adopt – a – Art

One time only art sale & auction of Niki Gulley’s pastels/paintings 

and Scott Williams’ photographs

Fri. Dec. 7th 7pm – 9pm 

Sat. Dec. 8th 1pm – 4pm

Gulley / Williams Studio - Dallas, TX

RSVP Niki@NikiGulley.com for address and directions

NikiGulley.com

New "Plein Air Painting Landscapes" Class sponsored by the Dallas Arboretum

"Golden Moment" ©2012 Niki Gulley

12" x 24" pastel

I painted this pastel at the Dallas Arboretum last fall to capture the gorgeous fall colors, and the mysterious long shadows cast by the sun as it was nearing sunset. I loved the vivid reds and oranges of the foliage, and the way the sun was causing those colors to glow along with the highlights on the path.

If you 'd like to learn how to paint on location, or just improve your skills, please join me at the Dallas Arboretum for my upcoming Plein Air Painting class on Oct. 24th. To register, go to dallasarboretum.org/AdultEducation/CreativeArts.htm.

Visit nikigulley.com/artreks/ for upcoming Art Treks and Workshops or 

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

For new classes and workshops in Texas this fall, see nikigulley.com/art-classes.

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NikiGulley.com

Painting at the Dallas Arboretum with Niki Gulley

"Golden Moment," Dallas Arboretum ©2011 Niki Gulley

pastel on board • 10" x 19"

The Dallas Arboretum is one of my favorite spots in the metroplex to paint, and last fall it was ablaze with color. I love being there late in the day when the crowds have thinned and the light is softer. In this pastel, I wanted to capture the intense fall foliage and the dramatic purple shadows cast by those trees along this path, which beckons you to wander down it.

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     Join us Oct. 29th and 30th at the Arboretum and White Rock Lake if you'd like to experience nature first hand while improving your painting skills. Even though working in your home or studio might feel quite comfortable, there's nothing like painting the subject that is in front of you. The sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings actually go into your work!

     Capturing the light quickly adds to the excitement and spontaneity of your final piece, while observing values from life will take your painting to a whole new level. Often times don't you wonder when you look back through your photos, "What was I thinking when I took this one?" When you paint en plein air, you'll be able to capture the scene accurately and the magic in that moment, versus being disappointed with your photos. Also, training your eye to see light and shadow accurately on location, will greatly help your studio work by learning to correct what you are seeing in your photos. With only a couple of spots left, I hope you can join us next weekend for this exciting workshop!

Visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13, which tells you about my upcoming Painting Workshop at the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake, Oct. 29th and 30th. Space if filling up quickly, so e-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information and to register.

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If you would like to join us on future ART TREKS to Paris, France in May or Tuscany, Italy in September,visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=1420, which goes into detail about our upcoming European Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops.

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

To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Painting in Santa Fe, NM with Niki Gulley

"Desert Blooms" ©2011 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 14" x 11" pastel

Painted near the outskirts of Santa Fe.

If you would like to join us for our Plein-Air Painting / Photography Workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico next week (Aug. 7th - 13th), please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

See nikigulley.com/?page_id=13 for more details.

NikiGulley.com

Texas Bluebonnet pastel by Niki Gulley

"Last Light," Texas Hill Country ©2010 Niki Gulley

12" x 24" pastel

We drove down to the Texas Hill Country to see the bluebonnets, and the Willow City Loop did not disappoint! Thick masses of azure blue as far as the eye could see. I was particularly drawn to this scene late in the day when the sun was starting to set and creating interesting long lavender shadows across the gently rolling landscape.

I'll have this pastel and more of my Texas bluebonnet paintings at my booth at the Watters Creek Art Festival, watters-creek.com/events/Fine-Arts-Festival-Sun.htm, this weekend in Allen, TX., so please stop by to see them in person.

May 13 • 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

May 14 • 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

May 15 • 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Allen, TX • in Watters Creek on Village Green Dr.

970 Garden Park Dr. (at U.S. 75 and Bethany Drive)

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

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com

Plein Air Painting Workshop - Santa Fe, NM with Niki Gulley

"Convergence," New Mexico ©2011 Niki Gulley

SOLD • pastel 24" x 36"

This pastel was inspired by the gorgeous New Mexico rugged terrain, and the pure radiant quality of the sunlight that bathes the region in a glow that makes colors come alive and adds a richness to the surroundings. Santa Fe is one of those places that allows you to witness nature’s staggering beauty amid a setting straight out of the old west.

This is the landscape that inspired Georgia O’keeffe and Ansel Adams, and now it’s your turn. We have the finalized details for our Painting & Photography Workshop in Santa Fe this August, and would love to have you join us!

Space is limited and if you sign up by May 18th, you qualify for the early discounted price so let us know soon if you’d like to come along. Visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13 for more details.

Plein-Air Painting & Photo Workshop

Taught by Scott Williams & Niki Gulley

Santa Fe, New Mexico

August 7 -13 / 2011

Early discount reservation deadline: May 18th

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

NikiGulley.com

New Winter Landscape Pastel by Niki Gulley

"Frosted Shadows" ©2011 Niki Gulley

pastel • 19" x 25"

I love how beautiful the landscape is after first snowfall and when the sun starts to illuminate the tiny frosted crystals making everything sparkle with light. That perfect hour before civilization stirs and traffic turns the pristine white into dingy grey or the sun's heat begins to melt the frosting on the delicate tree limbs. In Frosted Shadows, I want you to experience that evanescent moment when beautiful, vibrant colors are reflected everywhere from the lengthy shadows on the ground to the diamond-like icicle web above.

To see more of my pastels and oil paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Or, e-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

Winter's Calm pastel by Niki Gulley

"Winter's Calm" ©2010 Niki Gulley

pastel • 16" x 20"

This pastel is inspired by one of our rare snowfalls in Dallas. Growing up in Chicago I always loved how pretty and magical the snow was after it first fell, but I really don't miss shoveling since moving to Texas! So in "Winter's Calm," I combined the best of both worlds, capturing the beautiful white powder dusting across the ground and along the lacy intertwining branches above while knowing that the next day it would all be gone, making the moment even more fleeting and special.

If you'd like more information on Winter's Calm, e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or to see more of my pastels and oil paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Plein Air Painting & Photo Workshop in Santorini / Athen, Greece

"Santorini Sunset" ©2010 Niki Gulley

12" x 24" pastel • Santorini, Greece

Get inspired from the ancient beauty of Greece as you join us for this amazing opportunity to sharpen your skills while enjoying one of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Learning has never been as much fun as it is with this unique workshop that takes both painters and photographers on a tour through the cradle of civilization. The best part is that you get to choose which aspects of the workshop interest you – whether it is learning how to paint quickly to achieve the mood and changing light of the scene or deriving the most out of your camera as you capture one of the most beautiful places in the world, Greece. We hope you can join us this May!

Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshop

Athens & Santorini, Greece

May 11 – 19, 2011

Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams

Early Signup Deadline 12/15/10 for a $400 savings!!!

For more information, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13 or

e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

White Rock Lake Artists' Studio Tour - Oct. 16 & 17

"Long Shadows," Tuscany ©2010 Niki Gulley

8" x 10" pastel

After a delicious lunch of prosciutto and pecorinos on day three of our painting / photography workshop in Tuscany, we decided to venture into the countryside and paint this lone clump of cypress trees. With the simpler subject (and maybe a little Chianti at lunch!), everyone could relax and play, having fun pushing their colors and experimenting with their strokes. 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.

If you’ve dreamt about painting in Tuscany, join us for our next Plein Air Painting Workshop in Sept. 2011. Visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13 for more information or e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

To see my paintings, my husband’s (Scott Williams’) photographs, and our students’ creations from this year’s Venice & Tuscany painting and photography classes, stop by our “From Pasta to Schnitzel” art party Friday night at our studio in Dallas or the check out the White Rock Lake Artists’ Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the Studio Tour, see WhiteRockArtists.com.

My Website - NikiGulley.com

Moment of Reflection pastel by Niki Gulley

“Moment of Reflection” ©2010 Niki Gulley

Pastel • 24” x 36”

When we visited London, it rained pretty much all day every day but somehow that added to the experience and was actually quite beautiful at night when the city lights reflected off the wet cobbled streets. A few raindrops never slow the English down, so in “Moment of Reflection,” I wanted to capture that energy of the moving masses and I liked how that contrasted against the one non-mobile person on the corner. What are they waiting for or thinking about? I their contemplative state adds to the mystery and magic of the moment.

To see “Moment of Reflection” in person, stop by the Bayou City Art Festival in Houston this weekend. I’ll be displaying my latest paintings and night scenes at booth #480 – on Walker St. between Bagby & Smith Streets facing City Hall. See BayouCityArtFestival.com for more information.

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

NikiGulley.com

Table for Two pastel by Niki Gulley

“Table for Two” by Niki Gulley

Pastel • 24” x 36”

My husband and I honeymooned in Greece and fell in love with the island of Santorini. It has to be one of the most romantic spots we’ve ever seen. The views from the top of the caldera were absolutely stunning with the blue Aegean below, and the white-washed stacked architecture is truly unique. We easily segued into the the relaxed laissez faire Greek pace after a day or two and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the moment, dining seaside on delicious Mediterranean food and watching the sun set on the distant horizon.

If you’d like to join us next May on our Painting / Photography workshop in Greece, visit nikigulley.com/?page_id=13 for more information. Or, closer to home I also teach in Dallas, with the next set of classes starting in January 2011. If you’d like more details, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

If you’re in Houston, TX this weekend, please stop by the Bayou City Art Festival to and my pastels in person. I’ll be displaying my work at booth #480 - on Walker St. between Bagby & Smith Streets facing City Hall. See BayouCityArtFestival.com for more information.

NikiGulley.com

Bayou City Art Festival - Houston, TX - Oct. 9 & 10

“Bon Appetito” ©2010 Niki Gulley
Pastel 24” x 36”

On my second 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 local 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’re in Houston, TX this weekend, please stop by the Bayou City Art Festival to see Bon Appetito and my other recent pastels. I’ll be displaying my work at booth #480C - on Walker St. between Bagby & Smith Streets facing City Hall. See BayouCityArtFestival.com for more information.

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

NikiGulley.com

Dallas skyline pastel by Niki Gulley

“Crimson Sky” ©2010 Niki Gulley

Pastel 25” x 19”

At long last our summer journeys are coming to an end and we are headed back to Dallas. While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the mid-west, the east coast and Europe, there’s nothing quite like home. I look forward to riding my bike again around White Rock Lake, enjoying the peacefulness of the water and greenery while watching families reveling in the early days of fall. Then, after watching a beautiful sunset over the lake with the Dallas skyline silhouetted, turning back and heading home.

If interested in purchasing “Crimson Sky,” e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

NikiGulley.com

Painting Florence, Italy with Niki Gulley

“Evening Stroll” © 2010 Niki Gulley

Pastel 25” x 19”

Sadly our Tuscany workshop has come to an end. Everyone had a wonderful time, and I thank you guys for making this such a memorable trip! From the amazing Tuscan vistas dotted with cypress, wildflowers and grape-vines, to the cobbled medieval hill towns, to the world-class museums & history-filled architecture, to the mouth-watering pastas, cheeses, meats & of course, wines, we will treasure the memories forever.

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

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