plein-air paintings

Painting Iceland’s Gorgeous Coast with Impressionist Niki Gulley

September 2, 2024

“Protected Cove II” 9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 7 – Hellnar

The last morning of our Iceland Art Trek was absolutely beautiful. The sun was shining, the wind disappeared and we could have worn shorts! The view of the Atlantic ocean from our hotel was gorgeous, so our painters opted to stay right there and paint from the deck. What a fabulous way to end the trip! I hope you enjoy this scene I painted of the cabin overlooking the bay. I could just imagine staying in that peaceful location and enjoying that scenery everyday. May it transport you so you can feel the joy and serenity, too!

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

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If you’re a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left!

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!

For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Iceland Art Trek with Painter Niki Gulley and Photographer Scott Williams

September 1, 2024

“The Black Church III” 5″ x 7” textured acrylic painting on panel by Niki Gulley

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

We continued our Art Treks adventure around the country to the west, finishing our trip on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The last stop on our itinerary was to visit the famous Black Church. Being the only church made of black construction material on the island, its distinctive appearance stands out rising out of a relatively large, flat plateau. The weather turned a little for the worse today, but this was such a dedicated group of painters. Even a little wind and drizzle wasn’t going to stop them!

In this piece, I wanted to capture not only the church’s color and shape, but the dramatic clouds surrounding it. Working with palette knife and thick paint, this little piece is loaded with texture, color and movement.

And, to treat ourselves at the end of the trip, we went to one of the few Michelin restaurants on the island and had the most delicious, fresh meal with newfound friends. None of us were ready for the trip to end!

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

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NikiGulley.com

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If you’re a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left!

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!

For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Touring the Golden Circle with Niki Gulley’s and Scott Williams’ Art Treks

August 31, 2024

“Liquid Rush” by Niki Gulley

SOLD • 9″ x 12” textured oil painting on canvas panel

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 5 – Geysir and Waterfalls on the Golden Circle

That afternoon, we stopped by the Geysir for the photographers to capture the thermal explosion of water and steam, which explodes about every 5 minutes. So much fun to watch! After that, we finished the day with – you guessed it! One more waterfall. Slightly off the beaten path, these cascades rush over rocky cliffs to empty into this massive river valley that will eventually flow out to sea. A great way to end the day!

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

***

If you’re a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left!

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!

For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Iceland’s Gorgeous Waterfalls – Palette Knife Painting by Niki Gulley

August 30, 2024

9″ x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 5 – The Golden Circle

On the fifth day of our Iceland Art Trek, we toured several scenes along the Golden Circle drive, north of Reykavik. In the morning, we hiked back to these beautiful falls that empty into this gorgeous pool of turquoise churning water. I was pleased with the results and really enjoyed the peaceful falls.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

***

If you’re a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks!

Greece Art Trek

May 17-24, 2025

Only 2 spaces left!

Switzerland Art Trek

July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek

September 27 – October 4, 2025

4 Spaces Left!

For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

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Painting and Photographing Gullfoss Waterfall on Niki Gulley’s and Scott Williams’ Art Trek to Iceland

August 29, 2024

12″ x 9” textured acrylic painting on canvas panel by Niki Gulley

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 4 – Gullfoss

Today we visited the Gullfoss waterfall at the top of The Golden Circle. We set out to capture these gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Using diagonal strokes to illustrate the energy and strength of the flowing mass, I also wanted to show the water’s beauty as it gushed and tumbled over the dramatic cliffs. I hope you can hear the surging cascade and feel the joy of this magical place.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

***

If you’re a painter, a photographer, a foodie or if you just want to come along for the fun-filled ride, join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 2 spaces left!

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!

For more information on upcoming workshops and trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Painting Godafoss Waterfall with Niki Gulley – Iceland Art Trek

January 24, 2024

9″ x 12” textured oil painting on canvas panel

To purchase, visit nikigulley.com/cascades-iii/.

Iceland Art Trek: Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 5 – Godafoss

This evening we arrived in time to witness sunset over the massive Godafoss falls at the top of The Golden Circle. I set out to capture these gorgeous falls with all of their power and glory. Using diagonal strokes to capture the energy and strength of the cascades, I also wanted to show the mountains they were tumbling over as the water gushed and tumbled. Dramatic sunset clouds drift by, adding to the rhythm and emotion of this special place.The colors were so beautiful in the sky and created a rainbow of reflected colors in the cascading water. Sketching out my composition and squeezing out my colors ahead of time helped me be able to capture this fleeting moment. I hope you can hear the surging water and feel the joy of this magical place.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on my Iceland painting series.

***

If you’re interested in joining us in 2024 on our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop in Iceland this coming August or on a future Art Trek or Foodie Trek, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Palette Knife Painter Niki Gulley Paints Covered Bridges

September 25, 2023

9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

We have landed in New York, about an hour from Buffalo, in Scott’s hometown. The fall leaves are just barely turning colors and the temps are in the 70s. Beautiful!

Our first stop – Scott played a round of golf with old friends and since the grounds were so pretty, I decided to set up my easel at the golf course. So, here is my first painting of a covered bridge. This was a great introduction to more covered bridges to come!

To purchase, go to https://www.nikigulley.com/covered-drive/.

E-mail Niki Gulley with any questions about my palette knife travel paintings.

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

Packing Your Suitcase for a Painting Trip to Italy with Niki Gulley

February 21, 2023

Niki Gulley, Contemporary Impressionist Painter

Upcoming Venice Art Trek Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

The other day I showed you the materials that I take with me when I’m teaching / painting overseas. So, today I thought you might be interested in seeing how in the world all of this gear fits into my suitcase!

So, pretty much 1/2 to 2/3rds of my case ends up being painting supplies. Above you can see my Pochade box (easel) stacked on top of my wet panel carrier. In front of that, I have a bag with back-up paints should I run out of a color and the supplies that didn’t fit inside of my pochade box along with a roll of paper towels. I could buy those there, but I’m partial to VIVA since they hold up like rags and I have yet to find that brand in Europe. Lastly, in front of that you can see my tripod and my sun hat is in the lid.

Below I’ve attached a photo that shows you how I pack my clothes in the air space bags and below that is another pair of shoes, toiletries, medicines, etc. Voila! I actually got it all to fit and weigh under the maximum limit of 50 pounds. Thank goodness for dressing in layers so my clothes actually fit.

 
To see my plain air landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her paintings or classes.
 
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If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know.
For more information on upcoming trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
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How to Pack Plein Air Painting Supplies for Venice Art Trek with Niki Gulley

February 20, 2023

Niki Gulley, Contemporary Impressionist Painter

Upcoming Venice Art Trek

The other day I showed you how I prepare and carry my canvas when we travel and paint. The next step is to start gathering the rest of my supplies, making sure I have enough paint, etc.

For our upcoming Art Trek that Scott and I are teaching in Venice, I’ve chosen to work with acrylics. I prefer a brand called “Open” acrylics made by Golden. They are slower drying than typical acrylics –perfect for location paintings.

Here you can also see my Pochade box which is a brilliant all-in-one design, where it acts as easel, supply holder and even carries 2 wet canvases in the back. I love it! Just attach it to a tripod or hold it in your lap and you’re ready to go. Also, a pair of gloves, collapsible water holder, brushes, palette knives, paper towels, palette and don’t forget your hat!

Now I just need to squeeze all of this into my suitcase along with my clothes and other travel necessities! Stay tuned…

 
To see my plain air landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her paintings or classes.
 
***
 
If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know.
For more information on upcoming trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
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What Art Supplies to Pack on an Overseas Plein Air Painting Trek

February 17, 2023

Contemporary Impressionist Painter – Niki Gulley

Venice Art Trek

People often ask me how I pack my paints and gear when we travel, so I thought you might like to see a sneak peek at that process. Today I started getting ready for the upcoming Art Trek, my husband, Scott Williams, and I are teaching in Venice.

First step is preparing my canvas boards. I don’t like to s*tart on white, so I’ve painted a bunch of different colored acrylic backgrounds and I’ll choose whichever color seems best for the scene that day. Aren’t they fun? Like different color starburst candies!

Next, these will go into my wet painting carrier which has slots in it to keep the wet paintings from touching.

 
To see my plain air landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.
 
***
 
If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know.
For more information on upcoming trips, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 
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