This painting was inspired by one of our trips to Tuscany. I’ve always been attracted to this lone clump of cypress trees and the story behind them, and on this day the clouds in the sky parted just enough to allow the sun’s rays to pass through and illuminate the cypress grove below in almost a spiritual way. I decided to keep the bold colors of my underpainting showing through in areas because I thought the intense reds added to the drama of the moment.

If you’d like to join us on our next Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop in Tuscany this September, let me know as it is limited to 10 participants and filling up quickly! Visit nikigulley.com/ng2/?page_id=13 for more information. Early registration deadline for a $300 savings is this Wednesday, March 24th.