New Colorado Landscape Palette Knife oil painting by Niki Gulley

“Falling Rocks” ©2013 Niki Gulley
20″ x 24” textured oil painting on wrap around canvas

This painting is inspired from my first trip to Colorado. I loved the majestic mountains, the meandering creeks and rushing rivers, the lush terrain and the quaking aspen trees. The ride through the mountains was thrilling, as we straddled cliff sides, our tires gripped the road through spine-tingling hairpin turns, we raced through cavernous tunnels carved through the dense rock, and jagged mountains hugged us like there was no tomorrow. And, as if the journey wasn’t exciting enough, we were reminded of the  adventure that lay ahead with a new falling rocks sign every few bends!

For more information on my textured palette knife oil paintings, please e-mail me at Niki Gulley.

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

New Textured Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

“October Blaze” ©2013 Niki Gulley
36″ x 48″ textured oil painting on wrap around canvas
With “October Blaze,” 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!

If you would like to see “October Blaze” and more of my textured oil paintings in person, please stop by my booth at the State Street Art Fair in Ann Arbor, MI this Wednesday through Saturday.

State Street Art Fair
Wed. July 17 • 10am – 9pm
Thurs. July 18 • 10am – 9pm
Fri. July 19 • 10am – 9pm
Sat. July 20 • 10am – 6pm
Ann Arbor, MI
Booth #B211 on N. University between Thayer and State St.
For more information on palette knife birch and aspen tree paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

New textured Aspen Painting by Niki Gulley

“Life’s Journey” ©2013 Niki Gulley
46” x 44” oil on 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.

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

Plein-Air Painting in Santa Fe with Niki Gulley, Day 4

SANTA FE ART TREK:  Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams  
Day 4, morning location – Rio Chama
9″ x 12″ oil by Niki Gulley

Today we headed back towards Abiquiu and set up our easels at the edge of this scenic overlook to capture the Rio Chama below. While the whole landscape is gorgeous, it is way too much information to capture on a small canvas, not too mention being able to paint the light quick enough before it changes in the afternoon. So we simplified the composition, breaking the hills and foliage into simple shapes and blocks of color. I loved the curving lines the various elevations and river formed, so I focused on that flow and movement, accentuating the energy of nature with my strokes.
Students painting at the Rio Chama.
Visit nikigulley.com/artreks/ for upcoming Art Treks and Workshops or
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.For new classes and workshops in Texas this fall, see nikigulley.com/art-classes.

Painting the Aspen Trail

SANTA FE ART TREK:  Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams  
Day 2, afternoon location – Aspen Trail
9″ x 12″ textured oil by Niki Gulley

On day 2 of our Santa Fe Art Trek, the temperature started rising in the afternoon, so we headed up into the mountains for cooler breezes to paint the beautiful aspen trees. We were attracted to the brilliant white trunks with their unique peeling bark and dark protruding knots. I liked how the soft dappled light came through the trees and illuminated the path, leading into the distance. Becoming totally lost in the moment, we set out to capture the peacefulness and contentment we felt that afternoon.
Above: Some of our students painting in the aspen grove, listening to the sounds of the babbling brook nearby. A perfect day!
Visit nikigulley.com/artreks/ for upcoming Art Treks and Workshops or
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.For new classes and workshops in Texas this fall, see nikigulley.com/art-classes.