Last Day, Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Unveiling Sunshine," Lake Como ©2014 Niki Gulley • 10" x 8" oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 8: Varenna

On the last day of Lake Como Art Trek, we stayed right at our hotel and painted the gorgeous view of the town and water below while the photographers explored some more. We reconvened later that afternoon to see what the painters had created each day and watch a slide show of the photographer's work. That evening we dined on a delicious meal of local meats, lake fish, pastas and of course, wine, while enjoying our last night together with new friends. A perfect ending to a wonderful trip!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 7, Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Villa with a View" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 12" x 9" oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 7, afternoon location: Villa Babianello

After a busy schedule the day before, several of us opted to take it easy and join a cooking class while others visited the castle in town and one of the villages across the lake. We were whisked away to a tiny nearby hamlet where the chef, Moreno, prepares all of the dishes himself that he serves for dinner at his restaurant. He started the morning out by feeding us cappuccino and homemade cake to enjoy while he began showing us how to roll out and form pasta for cheese tortellini and marinara from scratch. Next up, was a decadent potatoes gruyere with ham slices, all of which we got to sample. The finalé was the creamiest mushroom risotto, local red wine, and don't forget the limoncello for dessert. Yum!

Late that afternoon, we visited the Botanic garden in Varenna, which is spectacular with its colorful tropical plantings, elaborate villa, sculptures and fountains, and fantastic views along the lake. What a great day!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 6, Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Villa with a View" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 12" x 9" oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6, afternoon location: Villa Babianello

In the afternoon, we visited the impressive Villa Babianello, made famous in both the James Bond and Star Wars films. It lives up to its reputation, perched atop lush formal gardens with a gorgeous scenic overlook of the water. After such beautiful views of the lake that day, we treated ourselves to an elegant dinner with another breathtaking panorama of Lake Como below. Dinner was amazing with red pepper prawn soup, scallops in pumpkin risotto, caprese salad and delicious wine to wash it down!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Visiting Bellagio with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Bellagio Beauty" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 8" x 10" Textured oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6, morning location: Bellagio

The next morning we awoke rested and raring to go, so we boarded a ferry that would first take us to Bellagio. The photographers and tourists spent most of their morning exploring town and the botanic garden, shopping and shooting, while we set up our easels in the lush public gardens nearby. The morning was a little overcast so we chose to focus on the vibrant foliage and plantings rather than the view of the harbor, so that our paintings would be full of color!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 4, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Villa with a View" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 10" x 8" Textured oil painting

Day 4, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On our last day in the Cinque Terre, we visited the final Cinque Terre town of Manarola. Opting to leave our paint gear and just be tourists for the morning, we joined the photographers in exploring the town and grabbing a light lunch.

"Crescendo," Manarola ©2014 Scott Williams • photograph

That afternoon we opted to paint this picturesque Italian courtyard, keeping our composition simple for a quick, fun and colorful study. That evening we gathered for another delicious dinner!

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Visiting Vernazza, Italy with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Golden View," Vernazza ©2014 Niki Gulley • 10" x 8" Textured oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2, Afternoon Location: Vernazza

When we arrived in Vernazza, the photographers and tourists took off exploring the town and scenic overlooks above while the painters set up their easels near the harbor to capture the beautiful golden late afternoon light. Right after sunset, Scott took the photographers to shoot the dreamy blue light and glow of the city colors and we met up for a delicious dinner of locally caught fish, pastas and regional wine. Full and happy, we rode the train back to Monterosso and crashed that evening after a fun-filled day.

"Safe Harbor," Vernazza ©2014 Scott Williams • photograph 

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 2, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Painted Houses," Riomaggiore ©2014 Niki Gulley • 9" x 12" Textured oil painting

Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2, Morning Location: Riomaggiore

After a good night's rest, we took the train that connects the five cities along the Italian coast to the southern most town of Riomaggiore. This morning the temperature was perfect, but we had more cloud cover with only occasional breaks of sunshine. Our painters set up our easels to capture this beautiful view of the colorful town and their ocean overlook while the photographers and tourists checked out the town and surroundings. 

When we had finished painting and exploring and eaten a delicious seafood lunch, we caught the scenic boat ride back to Vernazza, enjoying the ocean view of each town and its colorful architecture perched along the coast way. 

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Last Day, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Villa with a View" ©2014 Niki Gulley • 10" x 8" Textured oil painting

Day 7, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Tuscany Art Trek, the morning started out a little drizzly so some of us stayed and painted from inside the villa while others went into town to explore, shop and photograph. The architecture of the farmhouse is so interesting with its 6 inch wood beams, solid wood shutters, stuccoed walls, stone exterior and even the radiator below the window that I wanted to capture some of its charm with part of our view out the window. Luckily for a few minutes the sun tried peeking through the clouds, so I tried to capture some of that warmth in my painting.

While usually in the 70s and 80s when we lead the trips to Tuscany, for some reason this year it got really chilly that afternoon. So turning rain into sunshine, we lit a fire and relaxed with new friends, sharing stories, paintings and photographs from the trip. We capped the night off with an amazing dinner and drifted off to sleep, full, happy and at peace.

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 5, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Pienza ©2014 Niki Gulley • 6" x 12" textured oil painting • SOLD

Day 5, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

After a busy day in Siena, we took it easy the next day staying closer to home base. While some painted the beautiful view of Pienza from our villa in the morning, the photographers and sightseers visited more of the nearby hill towns. We relaxed that afternoon and went for a delicious meal in town that night. A rejuvenating day!

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

Spaces are filling up quickly, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 3, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Cypress Shadows," Tuscany ©2014 Niki Gulley • 9" x 12" textured oil painting

Day 3, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the third day of our Tuscany Art Trek, several of us attended a cooking class in Montepulciano from a Michelin-rated chef. We made hand-rolled pasta with a flavor-packed tomato sauce, osso buco, cheese soufflés and a delicious creamy tiramisu. After we were finished cooking, we sat down to sample our creations and wash it down with a little red wine. What an amazing experience! 

Later that afternoon, some of our group went onto see the formal Italian garden at La Foce while  some of us stayed and painted at the villa again. The late afternoon light was so beautiful how it cast its golden glow on the landscape and stone farmhouse, that we had to capture it before it was gone. Long deep shadows from the surrounding cypress trees draw your eye into the composition and set the peaceful mood of the evening.

***

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. 

The registration deadline of Nov. 15th for most trips is quickly approaching, so don't wait! 

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

Or if interested in purchasing "Cypress Shadows," please contact the Good Art Company Gallery, goodartcompany.com/gac/.

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

Visiting Montepulciano and Tuscan Wineries with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Montepulciano ©2014 Niki Gulley • 9" x 12" textured oil painting

Day 2, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

The next morning of our Tuscany Art Trek, we headed to the wine town of Montepulciano. Perched atop a giant hill with beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards below, we set up our easels at this breathtaking overlook. We had to work quickly to capture the morning light and soft clouds before they disappeared, while the photographers and the others explored ancient wine cellars, quiet back alleys and even got in a little shopping.

After lunch, we visited two wineries nearby to sample their Rossos, Vino Nobiles and the delicious sweet dessert wine, Vin Santo. Full from the local meats and cheeses and tasty red wines, we headed back to the villa for a quiet night of relaxing and soaking in the evening scenery.

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. The registration deadline of Nov. 15th for most trips is quickly approaching, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 1, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

View from our Villa, Tuscany ©2014 Niki Gulley • 9" x 12" textured oil painting • SOLD

Day 1, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the first morning of our Tuscany Art Trek, my husband went over camera functions and tips with his photography students while my painters set up to capture this gorgeous view of the distant hills and farmhouse that we see from our breakfast table each morning. With a few clouds drifting by, there was a beautiful soft light and a symphony of autumn colors framed by the quintessential Tuscan cypress tree in the foreground. What a perfect morning!

That afternoon we continued painting at the villa while the photographers explored the scenic countryside, and we all gathered that evening for a delicious meal of melted pecorino and homemade rustic bread, pici (hand rolled pasta) with wild boar sauce or truffle ravioli for others, fresh organic vegetables and of course the local red wine to top it off!

If you're interested in joining us on one of upcoming Art Treks, please let us know. The registration deadline of Nov. 15th for most trips is quickly approaching, so don't wait!

Athens and Santorini, Greece - May 8-16, 2015

The French Riviera - June 18-26, 2015

Provence, France - June 25-July 3, 2015

Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 4-12, 2015

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 11-19, 2015

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.

***

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

Day 6, Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

8" x 10" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

Day 6, Lake Como - Varenna and Menaggio
 CINQUE TERRE / LAKE COMO ART TREK

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the sixth day of our Lake Como Plein-Air Painting and Photography Workshop, our group went in all different directions. Some folks decided to take an all day cooking class where they learned to make 

pastas, soups and entrees from scratch. While the rest of us visited Varenna castle in the morning and afterwards rode the ferry to Menaggio. We explored the town and treated ourselves to a fantastic lunch, dining al Fresco again before heading back to Varenna. With some down time in the afternoon, I enjoyed our amazing view of the lake and town from our balcony while completing this small palette knife oil painting of the colorful buildings below.

For dinner that night, we navigated the switchback roads to the tiny town of Perledo and were treated to a huge traditional seven-course Italian meal. With every plate being created from scratch with local ingredients, the food and wines were amazing. We left fat, happy and slept like the dead that night!

If you'd like to join us in Cinque Terre / Lake Como for our next Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Sept. 12th-21st, please let me know.  For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 22-Mar. 1, 2014

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

Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshops

Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Workshops fill up fast, so don't wait to register!

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

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To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings and plein air oil paintings, please visit my website at NikiGulley.com.