Plein Air Painting in Tuscany with Niki Gulley

"Breaking Through," Tuscany ©2013 Niki Gulley

24" x 12" • Textured Mixed Media on canvas

This painting was inspired by one of our plein air painting workshops in Tuscany. I've always been attracted to this lone clump of cypress trees, and on this day the clouds in the sky parted just enough to allow the sun's rays to pass through and illuminate the cypress grove below. I decided to have fun with the colors to add to the excitement and drama of the moment.

"Breaking Through" and several of Niki's contemporary impressionistic landscapes are on display at the Good Art Company Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX. For more information, please contact goodartcompany.com/gac/.

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If you would like join us on our next Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop to Tuscany Sept. 5-13, 2014, please check out nikigulley.com/artreks for more information. 

Other upcoming Art Treks include:

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 22-Mar. 1, 2014 (deadline approaching)

Paris, France – June 19-27, 2014

 Provence, France – June 26 – July 4, 2014

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014

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E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

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

"Aqua Dreams" Textured Aspen Painting by Niki Gulley

“Aqua Dreams” ©2012 Niki Gulley

36” x 60” textured oil on canvas

When we arrived at this tranquil spot, the early morning light was very cool in color, but as the sun began to rise from the horizon, it shone this beautiful warm light that shimmered on the water’s surface and cast its hope of what was to come from the brand new day. I remember the peacefulness I felt in that moment, and a sense that anything was possible. In Aqua Dreams, by showing the contrast in the cool aqua/blues in the foreground waters against the warm golden glow on the distant pond’s edge, I wanted to share that feeling of hope and promise communicated by nature.

This painting is available at American Fine Art Gallery in Dallas. See americanfineart.com for details.

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

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

"Golden Moment, White Rock Lake" by Niki Gulley

"Golden Moment, White Rock Lake" ©2012 Niki Gulley

Textured oil on canvas • 12" x 24"

On a peaceful autumn day last fall, I went out with my camera to White Rock Lake and captured this beautiful sunset behind the Dallas skyline. I liked how the pampas grass and various plants in the foreground were back lit by the setting sun and how the water's surface was shimmering from the low light, adding to a sense of mystery and tranquility in that golden moment.

If you'd like information on "Golden Moment," e-mail Niki Gulley, or contact American Fine Art, AmericanFineArt.com.

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NikiGulley.com.

New Textured Sunflower oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Sun Drenched II" ©2012 Niki Gulley

30" x 48" • textured oil on cavan

Inspired by our trip to Provence last summer, I was awestruck by these massive fields of sunflowers blooming. Seeing this brilliant carpet of gold, with its sea of faces smiling towards the sun, just made me feel happy and I wanted you to experience that joy, too. In person “Sun Drenched II” practically leaps off the canvas with its vibrant yellow petals and extremely thick three-dimensional oil paint.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured floral paintings.

Or, to see more of her work, stop by her booth at Artscape this weekend.
Fri. March 16th • 9am – 5pm
 Sat. March 17th • 9am – 5pm
 Sun. March 18th • 9am – 5pm
 Dallas Arboretum • 8617 Garland Rd.
http://www.dallasarboretum.org/artscape

If you would like to join us in May for our next ArtTrek to Paris, France, or to Tuscany in September and see Italy's sunflowers in person, visit nikigulley.com/artreks, which goes into detail about our upcoming Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshops. We'd love to have you join us!

NikiGulley.com

"Rushing Desires" oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Rushing Desires” ©2011 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 60” x 36” textured oil on canvas

Just Sold! Charging down its stone cut course, torrents of water rush through grey boulders past green and gold bracken. Headlong and unrestrained the waters crash downstream, while above they splash into the airy distance a glowing, hazy tiara of misty sunlight. Thick brushstrokes of radiant oils define the powerful landscape carrying your eye through a complex composition of dynamic diagonals cleaved with the vertical cascade, caressed with a delicate crossing of gold dusted branches. A painting of power and energy balanced by graceful strokes of beauty, I wanted “Rushing Desires” to be about texture, movement, mystery and the cathartic feeling in nature.

To see more of Niki Gulley’s textured oil paintings, visit NikiGulley.com,

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

"Texas Treats" - Bluebonnet oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Texas Treats" ©2011 Niki Gulley

12" x 12" textured oil painting on canvas

I painted these Texas bluebonnets with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives to achieve extreme texture. The resulting image comes to life and is loaded with color and energy. In this wildflower series, I've painted the scene around the edges of the canvas on 1 1/2" deep stretcher bars so that the paintings can be hung without a frame for a unique sculptural effect.

To see more of my bluebonnet and Texas paintings, visit NikiGulley.com /?page_id=229.

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

Bluebonnets & Texas Wildflowers painting by Niki Gulley

"Texas Treats IV" ©2011 Niki Gulley

SOLD • 12" x 12" oil painting on canvas

Just Sold! I painted these Texas bluebonnets & Indian Blanket with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives to achieve extreme texture so that the image comes to life and leaps off the canvas! In this wildflower painting series, I've painted the scene around the edges of the canvas on 1 1/2" deep stretcher bars so that the paintings can be hung without a frame for a unique sculptural effect.

To see more of my bluebonnet and Texas paintings, visit NikiGulley.com /?page_id=229.

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

New Textured Birch Painting by Niki Gulley

"Colorful Transformation" ©2011 by Niki Gulley
textured oil painting • 36" x 48"

Rather than create an exact replica of the forest, I wanted to focus on brilliant color and simple shapes to see if I could communicate the excitement I feel when surrounded by nature. Using energetic diagonal strokes and thick, textured paint, I hope you get a sense of the motion in the leaves and the power of nature to invigorate your spirit. I just love how this piece captured that essence!

For more information on this birch painting, e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

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

"Bursting with Color" diptych painting by Niki Gulley

“Bursting with Color” ©2011 Niki Gulley

Two 24” x 24” textured oil paintings on canvas to form a 24” x 48” diptych

I love it when we are driving leisurely through the countryside and we come across a gorgeous field of wildflowers. The sudden burst of color thrills your senses! Playing with color and texture, I feel like this poppy painting radiates with energy and captures the joy you feel on one of the first beautiful days of spring.

With this series, you can purchase either the left or the right painting to hang alone or display both side by side to form a panorama diptych.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured floral paintings.

Or, to see more of her work, stop by her booth at Art Fair on the Square in Madison, WI this weekend, (July 9 & 10). mmoca.org

NikiGulley.com

"Aqua Dreams," New textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Aqua Dreams” ©2011 Niki Gulley

36” x 60” textured oil on canvas

When we arrived at this tranquil spot, the early morning light was very cool in color, but as the sun began to rise from the horizon, it shone this beautiful warm light that shimmered on the water’s surface and cast its hope of what was to come from the brand new day. I remember the peacefulness I felt in that moment, and a sense that anything was possible. In Aqua Dreams, by showing the contrast in the cool aqua/blues in the foreground waters against the warm golden glow on the distant pond’s edge, I wanted to share that feeling of hope and promise communicated by nature.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured oil aspen and birch tree paintings.

Or, to see more of her work, stop by her booth at Art Fair on the Square in Madison, WI next weekend, (July 9 & 10). mmoca.org

NikiGulley.com

"Flowing Light" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Flowing Light” ©2011 Niki Gulley

36” x 60” textured oil on canvas

You walk down a path sheltered by autumn drenched trees, intrigued by the light flowing through the leaves and branches, casting shadows, colors changing with each gentle breeze, sunlight cascading down your pathway. Peaceful, tranquil, this painting flows around the canvas capturing the memory of autumn: lush crisp colors, crunchy leaves and a walk through the woods Walt Whitman would have envied.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured oil aspen and birch tree paintings.

Or, to see more of her work, stop by her booth at Art Fair on the Square in Madison, WI next weekend, (July 9 & 10). mmoca.org

NikiGulley.com

New Textured Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

“Autumn Splendor” ©2011 Niki Gulley

36” x 48” textured oil on wrap around canvas

Shimmering colors of autumn: Aspen trees quiver, their light graceful leaves tremble and quake, silver and gold, silver and gold with each light breeze.

There is the quiet energy of change coming and vibrant color charges the woods. Crisp fall mountain air, clean bright skies overhead, a band of slender straight trucks cut bright strokes of white against a dazzling tumble of green, crimson and gold.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my textured oil aspen and birch tree paintings.

See 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

Life's Journey oil on canvas by Niki Gulley

“Life’s Journey” ©2011 Niki Gulley

46” x 44” traditional oil on wrap around canvas

Follow the deep wood’s path and wander under a canopy of sheltering leaves, light shifts through each branch and twig. Long, late rays of sunlight pierce the dreaming autumn forest, as you enter shadows dapple your journey. You are walking down a loamy path, filled with color-drenched leaves that invite you into the purple shadows where you may seek your dreams. This oil painting of a tranquil wood’s trail inspires your journey and your dreams with lush colors and rich images of beauty ahead.

To see "Life’s Journey" and more of my oil paintings, stop by my booth at Cottonwood Art Festival, Saturday May 7 from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday May 8 from 9 am to 6 pm in Richardson, TX. Cottonwood Park is at the corner of Coit and Beltline. Visit CottonwoodArtFestival.com for details.

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

Or visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

New Texas Hill Country oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Blue Horizon” Painting of the Texas Hill Country ©2011 Niki Gulley

Textured Oil on Wrap Around Canvas, 30” by 48”

Vivid indigo: when thick clusters of bright blue cover the rolling bluffs of our Texas Hill Country – you know spring is here! Texas Bluebonnets splash across the fields interspersed with fiery Indian Paintbrush and bright yellow Coreopsis. Wildflowers, winding paths and wind-tested live oaks fill this canvas with the joy of a clear spring day in the hill country.

This bluebonnet painting and many others will be available for you to see this weekend at Art in the Square in Southlake, TX, Booth #J5. Visit artinthesquare.com/default.aspx for details.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on Texas-inspired paintings.

NikiGulley.com

New Bluebonnet & Indian Paintbrush oil painting by Niki Gulley

New Bluebonnet and Indian Paintbrush Oil Painting

by Niki Gulley • 7" x 5"

These Texas Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush are created with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives so that the final painting is loaded with texture and color.

If you'd like additional information on my bluebonnet paintings, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or to see more of my work, visit NikiGulley.com.

Texas Bluebonnet painting by Niki Gulley

Texas Bluebonnet oil painting by Niki Gulley • 7" x 5"

I painted this Texas bluebonnet with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives, so that the resulting artwork is filled with color and texture.

If you'd like more information on my bluebonnet paintings and Texas landscapes, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or to see more of my artwork, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

New Bluebonnet oil painting by Niki Gulley

New Bluebonnet Oil Painting by Niki Gulley • 7" x 5"

These Texas Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush are created with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives.

If you'd like information on my bluebonnet paintings, e-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Or to see more of my work, visit NikiGulley.com.

Summer Aspens oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Summer Aspens" ©2010 Niki Gulley

12" x 12" oil on canvas

I painted these summer aspen trees with palette knife and extremely thick paint. I love how the chunky paint adds to the texture of the bark and the movement in the leaves, and how the painting continues around the edges of the wrap around canvas for a sculptural-like frameless piece of art.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com to see more or

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.

Bluebonnet oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Rhapsody in Bloom V" ©2010 Niki Gulley

12" x 12" oil painting

These Texas bluebonnets and Indian Blanket are painted with extremely thick oil paint applied with palette knife on wrap around canvas with the painting continuing around the edges. I love how the extreme texture causes the paint and colors to jump off the canvas and come to life.

Visit my website at NikiGulley.com to see more or

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com.