photography trips

Plein Air Painting Workshop in Venice during Carnival with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

September 6, 2013

10″ x 8″ • textured oil painting

This February during our Venice Art Trek, we headed to the Rialto bridge and set up our easels by the morning market. Some of my students painted the clock tower, while others wandered the fruit, vegetable, meat and fish stands. I chose the vantage above because I liked the repetition of the arches in the negative space and how the back of the scene was flooded with light and activity on the Grand Canal.

If you’d like to join us in Venice for our next Art Trek during Carnival Feb. 22 – Mar. 1, please let me know. The registration deadline of Oct. 12th is quickly approaching! For more details, e-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

ArtTreks

Venice, Italy – Carnivalé – Feb. 22-Mar. 1, 2014

Paris, France – June 19-27, 2014

Provence, France – June 26 – July 4, 2014

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014

Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

These workshops are filling up quickly, so we encourage you to register soon!

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NikiGulley.com

Painting and Photographing Sunset in Santorini with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

June 21, 2013

Day 4, Evening – Greece Art Trek: Oia, Santorini

7″ x 5″ oil painting by Niki Gulley

That evening the photographers joined us out at the lookout point to photograph sunset, so we decided to continue painting. Since we only had about 15 minutes to capture the actual sun setting, we had to sketch the scene in advance, anticipate how the light might look, and pre-mix our golden colors. Then as the sun was dropping, we quickly had to paint those warm reflected lights on the buildings and the water and the golden glow in the sky. While challenging, it was a lot of fun and such a beautiful setting to paint! Capping the evening off, we had a delicious dinner in town at the most picturesque garden restaurant and relived the highlights of the day.

Our photographers staking out their spots to shoot sunset.

Dinner that night.

Next summer we will be leading an Art Trek to Paris and Provence, France so if you’ve always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing during lavender and sunflower season in France, and following in the footsteps of Monet, Van Gogh and Cezanne, please join us for this amazing trip! Details will be coming soon on nikigulley.com/artreks.

E-mail – Niki Gulley

Plein Air Painting and Photographing in Santorini, Greece with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

June 19, 2013

Day 4, Afternoon – Greece Art Trek: Oia, Santorini

9″ x 12″ textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

With so much beautiful scenery, it was hard to decide on a subject, but a couple of the painters chose this iconic view of the windmills and bleached architecture contrasted against the cobalt blue skies and waters below. Meanwhile the photographers climbed every nook and cranny in town in search for the perfect shot, and others chose to shop or relax with a snack, soaking in the gorgeous view over the caldera.

One of my student’s easels with their completed painting overlooking Oia in the background.

E-mail – Niki Gulley

Day 3, Plein-Air Painting and Photography Art Trek in Santorini, Greece

June 14, 2013

Day 3, Greece Art Trek: Santorini

12″ x 9″ textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

On the third day of our Greece Art Trek, we flew to Santorini and gawked at the amazing view from our hotel overlooking the caldera. Our painters set up their easels right there since the scenery was so beautiful, while the photographers toured through town, shooting the white washed architecture and fantastic views of the ocean below. I chose this vantage of the potted succulent set against the vivid blue water and white stucco balcony. With several clouds in the sky, everything had a nice soft light that created subtle shadows, intense colors and a cool breeze, making it such a pleasant day to paint.

Taking a little time out to enjoy the view and sample the Greek wines, which are quite tasty!

E-mail – Niki Gulley

Nov. 10th deadline for Greece Art Trek

November 9, 2012

10” x 20” oil painting

The view from our hotel that we’ll be staying at in May for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop to Greece is amazing! In this oil painting, I wanted to capture the beautiful sea below with the vertically stacked puzzle piece architecture indicative of Santorini.

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Greece, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Athens and Santorini on May 10-18. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region’s culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we’ll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we’re painting and photographing.

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop

Athens and Santorini, Greece

May 10-18, 2013

Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams

Early Registration for a $500 savings: Nov. 10

Final Registration deadline: Dec. 15

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

This workshop is already over half full, so we encourage you to register soon!

NikiGulley.com