Painting Italian Textures by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

  

“Flowering Nook,” Tuscany ©2025 Niki Gulley
12″ x 16″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful plantings everywhere. I fell in love with these gorgeous geraniums lining their Italian stairway and the soft light illuminating this courtyard. With my palette knife, I set out to capture all of the different textures from the Roman  stone wall to the cobble path to the brick accents. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.
 

For details on more of my Tuscany or European paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
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If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 

Painting in Tuscany with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

“Amber Waves,” Tuscany ©Niki Gulley
20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
Day 3, afternoon location – ART TREKS: TUSCANY
 with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

After we finished a delicious antipasto lunch of prosciuttos, local pecorino, and fresh fruits and vegetables, we headed into the hills for our painting location. Golden wheatfields undulating in the breeze lined the foreground and set the stage for this quintessential tuscan farmhouses. Peaks and valleys rise and fall in the background, signaling you are in Tuscany. Between the quiet surroundings, perfect weather, and the gorgeous scenery this proved to be a very inspiring afternoon!

 

 

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If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 

New Texas Bluebonnet Landscape by Contemporary Impressionistic Niki Gulley

   

“Radiant Beauty” ©2025 Niki Gulley
48″ x 60″ textured acrylic painting on wrap around canvas
 
Oh the beauty of driving through Texas in April! Waves of prolific bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush and assorted wildflowers lead you to a vanishing point just over the horizon. Where will your journey take you next? Gorgeous billowing clouds fill the sky with movement and softened light. Surprising pops of color  invite your eyes to dance around the canvas, feeling the excitement of the moment. As large as life, may you immerse yourself and get lost in the joy and energy of springtime in the hill country!
 
***
For more details on my other Texas paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.
 
 

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

 

 

 

Miles of Lavender Fields Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

  

“Fragrant Fields” ©2025 Niki Gulley
16″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas by Niki Gulley
 
My husband and I recently were teaching and leading an Art Trek in Provence, and we were able to spend a couple of extra days exploring the area before everyone joined us. While in pursuit of the perfect lavender crop to paint and photograph, we came across this gorgeous field. The flowers were just breathtaking and stretched for what seemed like miles. Finding a tiny bit of shade, I set up my easel and went to work capturing all of that royal glory. And, it was a good thing I painted it when I did because the following week, my shade tree was roped off! I hope you, too, can experience the beauty of this joyful place.
 

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionist oil paintings.

 

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured lavender paintings.

 

***
 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***

If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 

Painting in Tuscany with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

    

 

“Flowering Destination” ©2025 Niki Gulley
10″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
When we pulled into this villa in Italy, I thought I’d walked into a fantasy land! Gorgeous Roman architecture surrounded by the most beautiful rose gardens in every direction. I could just imagine holding the most romantic wedding here, and how happy all of your guests would be. I hope you, too, can escape into these idyllic grounds and absorb the beauty of Tuscany.
•••
 

For details on more of my Tuscany or European paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!


Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

or

September 2026
Just 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

New “Sapphire Symphony” Large Texas Bluebonnet Painting by Niki Gulley

  

“Sapphire Symphony” ©2025 Niki Gulley
48″ x 60″ textured acrylic painting on wrap around canvas
 
 

My labor of love this past month! With the canvas as wide as I am tall, and so many ups and downs my step ladder painting it, this one was quite the workout. But, it was important for me to completely immerse you in the energy found amongst nature. This painting is best seen in person so that you can step into this life-size canvas and feel our Texas’ landscape’s beauty yourself.

I made sure to not over blend my thick strokes so that you could see the marks and feel the vivacity found in nature. Repeating patterns and waves of color create a harmony within the painting. Rendering the bluebonnets and wildflowers along with their surroundings loosely plays with taking a traditional subject matter and putting a new twist on it. Voluminous and dramatic clouds surround your journey into this uplifting symphonic expression of peace and hope.

 
***
For more details on my other Texas paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.
 
 

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

Visiting Vineyards and Wine Tasting with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

   

SOLD • 20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel 
by Niki Gulley
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 4: Wine Tasting in Montalcino
 
Today we visited the nearby hill town of Montalcino and sampled their famous Brunello wines. The vino was beyond delicious and the spread of homemade bruschetta and local meats and cheeses were paired perfectly. Stopping off along the way, we toured an ancient Monastery that feels so spiritual in its divine simplicity that everyone found it a highlight of the trip.
 
In the above painting you can see this beautiful abbey in the distance, surrounded by grapevines, olive groves and cypress trees. Signs of fall appear as the colorful vines turn vibrant shades of crimson. 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 church and the beautiful countryside. I hope you can taste the delicious wine and escape to Tuscany with us!
 
 
 
***
 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***

If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 

Siena Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

  

©2024 Niki Gulley
9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

 

Day 3:  TUSCANY ART TREK – Siena
Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 
On the third day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we visited 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 these ancient walls and mood of this unique city. It turned out the homeowner who lived in the yellow house was so happy that I was painting his home, that he kept checking on my progress while I was working. I love getting to meet the locals while I work!
 

For dinner that night, we treated ourselves to a delicious home-made Italian meal of pastas, truffles, pecorino cheese and some amazing red wine!

 
 
***

 

If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
 

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 
 
 

 

***
 
E-mail me at [email protected] for more information.
 

Dining al Fresco in Tuscany with Impressionist Landscape Painter Niki Gulley

   

20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
by Niki Gulley 
 
I loved this antique table set up underneath the shade of this gnarly umbrella pine in Tuscany. The setting was so warm and inviting – we just wanted to have a lovely picnic there. Throw in a bottle of wine and you have the perfect backdrop for a relaxing lunch!
 

For details on more of my Tuscany and Italy paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 

Painting Vineyards in Tuscany with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

  

18″ x 24″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
by Niki Gulley 
 
During our Tuscany Foodie Trek that my husband and I led, we headed to the wine town of Montalcino. I set up my easel at this gorgeous vineyard with its colorful grapevines turning beautiful oranges and golds with the cooling fall temperatures. Capturing the rows of grapes hugging the hills and leading you back to the villa perched in the distance, I hope you can taste the delicious wine and escape to Tuscany with me!
 

For details on more of my Tuscany and Italy paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 

 ***

 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 
 
If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 1 Spot Left!
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just a couple of spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.