E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my birch and aspen tree oil paintings.
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my birch and aspen tree oil paintings.
I love looking for scenery around Asheville that I can share with you and lift your spirits. And, the explosion of vibrant fall color here does not disappoint! The maples are displaying their full autumn glory, so I had to capture those ruby reds for you. May this kids’ perspective bring you the joy of carefree days and hopes for a bright future.
Started on location in Tuscany, these bright, smiling faces just lifted my spirits and I had to paint them to share their cheer with you! Beyond these joyous sunflowers, the quintessential Tuscan farmhouse has the best view of the surrounding valleys. Misty clouds rise from the horizon as cooler nights meet warmer days and set the stage of the magical light and dreamy allure of Tuscany. The resulting painting is full of warmth, color and texture, and my hope is that when you gaze into it, this piece lifts your spirits and brightens up any spot in your home.
For details on more of my Tuscany or sunflower paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.
If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.
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A break in the drizzle in Woodstock, Vermont! And, a chance to paint again. Unfortunately, the rain and wind took their toll on the fall foliage. But, I loved these tall pine trees and the few autumn leaves hanging on. So, I bundled up and set out to capture their height and majesty in this vertical treetop view. I hope they lift your spirits, too, and bring back fun memories of childhood cloud gazing. Now, I hope I can talk Scott into a back rub after craning my neck to paint this one!
To see a video of me painting this one, check out https://www.instagram.com/p/CyVrv3iOAu9/.
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In this painting I wanted you to feel that child-like wonder of staring up into the treetops and heavens above. Choosing uplifting golds and reds contrasted against a turquoise-blue sky with gentle clouds drifting by, I’ve arranged the aspens in a circular pattern to give you a sense of laying on the ground, surrounded by the forest. Using diagonal leading lines with the tree trunks and limbs, your eye gazes into the focal point where all of the elements come together. Meanwhile, utilizing thick, curving paint strokes adds to that joyful, playful feeling of hope and discovery.
For details on more of my Tuscany or sunflower paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.
Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2027. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

“Woodland Adventure” ©2026 Niki Gulley
18″ x 24″” textured oil painting on board
To purchase this highly textured oil painting, go to https://www.nikigulley.com/woodland-adventure/.
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my aspen and birch paintings.
