Venice is one of the most romantic cities I’ve visited, and at night it is especially dreamy, quieting down from the tourist traffic and filled with sparkle and energy. In St. Mark’s Square, you can hear the sounds of live music while couples dine al fresco or stroll through the dimly lit open corridors. Gorgeous marble tile floors line the walkways while golden arches frame the iconic views. I wanted to capture that magical feeling and transport you back to fond memories of your Venetian vacation.
Tag: plein air painting workshop
New “Ready for Harvest III” Grapevine Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley
In “Ready for Harvest III,” I set up my easel at the agriturismo we were staying at in Tuscany to capture this gorgeous view of the rolling hills and the grapevines planted on their property. The grapes were so plump and juicy, it looked like they could be harvested any day. I liked how the plantings framed the view in the distance, creating a sort of window pane in the foreground, with just a sliver of the farmhouse in the mid-ground. With some clouds rolling in, the sun created that unusual glow that I’ve only seen in Italy with gorgeous purple shadows and gold and pinks hitting the hillsides, giving them form. I hope you, too, are transported to this peaceful place surrounded by beauty, warmth and delicious home-grown food and wine.
“Ready for Harvest III” is hanging at Seaside Gallery in Pismo Beach, CA. If you are interested in purchasing or more details, please contact them at:
New “Ready for Harvest II” Winery Painting by Texas Niki Gulley
I love how in Tuscany you are surrounded by grapevines everywhere you go. My husband and I visited late in the summer to capture the area’s beauty on canvas and film. I was drawn to this vineyard outside of Montalcino, home of Brunello wines. I was attracted to the vibrant vines contrasted against the progressive miles of golden rolling hills dotted with more grapevines, olive trees, and plowed grain fields. The gorgeous, plump purple grapes were ready to harvest at any moment. Setting up my easel across from this vineyard, I began recreating the soft light that would break through the clouds and illuminate various hilltops and plantings. I arranged the vines to lead your eye back to the Tuscan villa and then to the beautiful countryside beyond. And when I finished, we treated ourselves to one of their delicious wines. A perfect afternoon!
“Ready for Harvest II” is hanging at Seaside Gallery in Pismo Beach, CA. If you are interested in purchasing or more details, please contact them at:
Nighttime in St. Mark’s Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley
Venice is one of the most romantic cities I’ve visited, and at night it is especially dreamy, quieting down from the tourist traffic and filled with sparkle and energy. In St. Mark’s Square, you can hear the sounds of live music while couples dine al fresco or stroll through the dimly lit open corridors. Gorgeous marble tile floors line the walkways while golden arches frame the iconic views. I wanted to capture that magical feeling and transport you back to fond memories of your Venetian vacation.
New Santorini Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
New Positano Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
SOLD • Amalfi Coast
Recently I was commissioned to paint this special memory from the Amalfi Coast for one of my collectors. He was amazed by the abundance of fresh produce and vibrant colors of this fruit and vegetable vendor that was set up alongside the gorgeous backdrop of the Italian Riviera. Wanting a more traditional feel to the scene, I painted it with oil paint and brushes. If you are interested in commissioning me to paint a unique, special memory for you, please e-mail me and I’ll be happy to help.
New Reykavik Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
Reykavik, Iceland
My husband and I rounded out our Iceland adventure by finishing in the capitol city of Reykavik. While a lot more peaceful than Dallas, TX, it was quite a contrast to be in the bustling city after the vast peacefulness of the countryside. One of the things I liked about Reykavik was how colorful the buildings were painted and how much that brightened up a grey day. Setting out to capture those fun colors and the energy of the city, I chose to paint this overview of town with main street leading your eye all the way down to the harbor. Created with palette knife and a lot of paint, I wanted to leave this painting fairly loose to add to that lively feeling and energetic vibe I felt in Reykavik.
New Iceland Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
Iceland
For our next Iceland adventure, you guessed it – we visited another waterfall! Today the wind was picking up again, so we aimed the car towards the falls and I painted from the front seat while the wind rocked our car and Scott to sleep. Meanwhile, I set out to capture the gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Using diagonal strokes again to capture the energy and strength of the cascades, I also wanted to show the mountains they were tumbling over and a sliver of the river in the distance as the water flowed onward. Dramatic clouds drift by, adding to the rhythm and emotion of this special place.
Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley paints Glaciers in Iceland
Iceland
One of the highlights of our Iceland trip was to visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Completely otherworldly, large chunks of blue ice break and float along the water’s surface while the massive glacier looms in the distance. My favorite color being aqua, I had to capture all of the gorgeous blues in the water and the ice. While a little overcast, the sun was able to peak through the clouds and create a dreamlike sunset casting a golden tint across the lagoon. A magical moment!
Painting Iceland by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley
Iceland
My husband and I both LOVE waterfalls, which turned out to be one of our favorite things about Iceland – there was a stunning waterfall everywhere we went. Today I set up my easel to capture the energy and flow of the cascades while showing a hint of the mountainous scenery surrounding the landscape. Creating strokes in diagonal sweeping shapes to enhance that feeling of movement and rhythm, I hope you, too, can hear the flowing water’s music and feel the gentle spray from its mist.