If you have any questions about my palette knife paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
Standing tall and proud, this old soul sinks its gnarly roots into the cliff below, persistent and hopeful. I wanted you to get the feeling of staring up in wonderment like when you were a kid discovering things for the first time – noticing the unusual beauty and complexity of its infrastructure. Both grounded and reaching for the heavens, this organic skyscraper connects us to the mysteries of nature while encouraging childhood dreams.
Painted on location, I was drawn to this magnificent Magnolia tree with its massive tangle of gnarly roots. Gripping the water’s edge, it anchors the foreground and leads you down the meandering creek where morning light shimmers across its surface. Adding unexpected pops of color, I wanted this painting to be full of joy while giving you a sense of peace in this protected oasis.
In Autumn Reflections, I wanted to give you the feeling of a beautiful, peaceful retreat on a colorful autumn day. To create that feeling of being immersed in nature, I chose this long panorama format so that the sanctuary is completely engulfed in fall foliage, a perfect escape from bustling city life. Loaded with uplifting color, still waters suggest a calming effect. One small ripple in the lake’s distance lets you know that some ducks just swam by and you are surrounded by wildlife, not a care in the world.
In Autumn Reflections, I wanted to give you the feeling of a beautiful, peaceful retreat on a colorful autumn day. To create that feeling of being immersed in nature, I chose this long panorama format so that the sanctuary is completely engulfed in fall foliage, a perfect escape from bustling city life. Loaded with uplifting color, still waters suggest a calming effect. One small ripple in the lake’s distance lets you know that some ducks just swam by and you are surrounded by wildlife, not a care in the world.
My husband and I love exploring the back roads whenever we’re en route somewhere. We always discover such interesting places, and the scenery is so much more picturesque than along the highway. It’s fun to slow down and enjoy the journey with no agenda, which is what I had in mind when I painted “Scenic Route,” a beautiful autumn drive through the winding fall foliage.
On the first full day of our plein air painting and photography workshop in Greece, we visited the Acropolis in Athens along with several other ancient sites. It was truly awe inspiring to see a part of history from the fifth century BC and to imagine what life must have been like as democracy was beginning. In the afternoon, the painters set up their easels on top of the beautiful balcony at our hotel to paint this beautiful view of the Parthenon while the photographers continued touring the city. In this oil painting, I wanted to capture a sense of scale with the Acropolis, and suggest how it rises above the city on this massive mound, towering majestically over the city, kissed by the clouds above.
Next summer we will be leading an Art Trek to Spain and the following year we will be headed to Tuscany, England and Ireland, so if you’ve always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trip! Details will be coming soon on nikigulley.com/artreks.
Just Sold through the Good Art Company Gallery! In this painting, I wanted to capture the rhythm, color, and density of our vibrant Texas wildflowers flowing along the grassy rises and falls of the berms in the Hill Country. Making sure not to over blend my thick strokes so that you could see the marks and feel the energy found in nature, Texas Two Step is loaded with texture and color, and almost dances to life. Repeating patterns, shapes and hues unite foreground and background while two lone trees touch limbs and create a focal point in the distance.