Tag: photo tours

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

November 24, 2014
“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.
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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 https://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.
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E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

A Day in Florence with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams, Tuscany Art Trek 2014

November 21, 2014
“Evening Stroll,” Florence ©2014 Niki Gulley • 25″ x 19″ pastel
Day 6, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the next day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we hit the ground running by spending a full day in Florence. Visiting the Uffizi and Academy Museums with their incredible collections of Renaissance art, the impressive marble Duomo and famous Bronze Baptistry doors, wandering the cobble stone streets and admiring the stone architecture, fountains and sculptures, and allowing extra time for shopping.

Florence ©2014 Scott Williams photograph
We ended the day with you guessed it – another delicious meal! Then we wandered back through the romantic golden-lit streets to see the beautiful view of the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno at night. 
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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 https://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

November 19, 2014
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 https://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 Siena Italy with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams on their Tuscany Art Trek

November 17, 2014
“Wishing Well,” Siena ©2014 Niki Gulley • 7″ x 5″ oil painting 
Day 4, Tuscany Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the fourth day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we headed to the Medieval hill town of Siena, with its incredible marble Duomo, great people-watching plaza, and interesting alleyways radiating out from the campo with something new to discover around every turn. While some of our group shopped, some photographed and others relaxed on the square, I set up in one of the quiet cobble streets to capture the textures of their ancient walls and this unique old well. For dinner that night, we treated ourselves to a delicious dinner of Tuscan pizza, fresh local vegetables and of course, some amazing wines!
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 https://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

November 14, 2014
“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 https://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

November 12, 2014
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 https://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

November 10, 2014
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 https://www.nikigulley.com/artreks.
***
E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions.

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

“Dining al Fresco” Venice pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

September 10, 2014
Dining al Fresco, Venice – 12″X18″ Pastel ©2014 Niki Gulley
A warm evening breeze stirs, caressing your face as you dine. The sights and sounds of Venice mingle before your eyes, an unfolding opera of color and light. A couple strolls, enamored with the beauty that envelopes them, drawn into the Italian night, hand in hand. The love between them is nearly palpable, and as they pass you by, you feel it radiate off of them, just as the light spreads itself against the encroaching night.


The soft touch of the pastels help to capture the calm evening. Venice is filled with the romance and this scene really resonated with me. The warm palette gives one a feeling of calm, a comforting touch, as if by a summer breeze. 
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If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 7-14, 2015. We’d love to have you join us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details on France, Greece, or our Italy Art Treks.
For more information on “Dining al Fresco,” please e-mail Niki Gulley nikigulley@sbcglobal.net.
Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings and pastels.

“A Pause in Time” Venice pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

September 8, 2014

“A Pause in Time” Venice, Italy ©2012 Niki Gulley

18” x 24” pastel

Mysterious, enchanted, dreamlike – Venice is a fairytale at night.
Evening has drawn its starry cloak over the city, the crowds and pigeons are gone and three women enjoy the evening at a café in Piazza San Marco.
This changeling city, this artist’s muse now is unhurried, relaxed and romantic
and this one perfect moment in time is held in artful pastels, satiated colors – 

rich velvet textures capture ebony/violet chairs that Peggy, Pollock or Cole Porter may have sat in,
paintings of angels from old Venice and three modern women of today complete this delicate balance in a point of time.

This piece won an award at the Southwest Pastel Society’s 31st National Juried Show Exhibit.
***
If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 7-14, 2015. We’d love to have you join us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details on France, Greece, or our Italy Art Treks.

For more information on “Bon Appetito,” please e-mail Niki Gulley.
Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings and pastels.

“Bon Appetito” Venice pastel by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

September 5, 2014
“Bon Appetito” ©2014 Niki Gulley
Pastel 24” x 36”

On my first trip to Europe, my husband wanted to take me to Venice since it was one of his favorite cities, and I fell in love with almost everything about it. The timeless quality created by living on canals free of cars, the history in the architecture and even the cobbled walkways, the beauty of the scenery and the magical quality created by the light to name just a few of my favorite things. I love how food and meals play such an important role in Italian culture – a time to slow down and enjoy friendships while savoring the locally grown cuisine and wines over the course of the evening. In this pastel I wanted to communicate all of those joyful feelings in addition to capturing the energy and romance of the city at night. Bon Appetito!

***
If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 7-14, 2015. We’d love to have you join us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details on France, Greece, or our Italy Art Treks.

For more information on “Bon Appetito,” please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings and pastels.