Spinning through Time by Niki Gulley

"Spinning through Time" ©2010 Niki Gulley

36" x 60" oil on canvas

In "Spinning through Time," I wanted you to escape from the heat of summer and life's day to day responsibilities and enjoy a peaceful lake retreat. I purposely chose cool colors to add to this feeling of tranquility and I liked how the arrangement of the trees framed the lake in almost a circular pattern, suggesting the cyclical flow of nature. Soothing waters and being immersed in natural surroundings can have such a cathartic effect, and I hope you experience that relaxing moment in "Spinning through Time."

I'll be exhibiting this painting and several of my other new chunky oil paintings at Evanston's Fountain Square Art Festival this weekend. If you're in the Chicago area, I hope you can stop by the show. For more information, see chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=123.

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

Visit my website at 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