Tuscany Poppy Field Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

  

“Ruby Expanse” ©2026 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 10″ x 20″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Before we started teaching in Provence, we first took a direct flight to Rome and explored more of Tuscany for a few days before we flew onto France. Remembering from the past that May is usually a perfect time to find poppy fields, we thought we’d find the ruby beauties everywhere. Wrong! Thus began our crazy quest in search of the elusive poppy. And, after a week of scouring the countryside, we finally found them! Of course, they were right next to our b and b, but in a direction we hadn’t explored all week. 

But, once we did finally discover them, the vibrant pops of red just lifted my spirits. Combined with gorgeous skies and dramatic lighting, it was truly inspiring and so much fun to paint after 2 solid rainy days. Hope you can feel and experience all of that joy, too!

***
 
Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had a couple of spots open up for our trip next September. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Spaces fill up quickly! 

 

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org 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 Niki Gulley for more information on my poppy and wildflower field paintings.

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

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

New Autumn Glory Painting of the Blue Ridge Parkway by Asheville Artist Niki Gulley

  

“Tomorrow’s Adventure” ©2026 Niki Gulley
24” x 48” textured acrylic painting on canvas
 

 

I am in love with my new studio! The mountain views from my windows are just stunning. We’re unpacked and it feels so good to finally be settled, so that I can focus on creating again. First canvas — of course it’s of that inspiring vista right out my studio! When I started this last week, the fall color was breathtaking. Now, since the polar vortex there aren’t many leaves left. But, thankfully I was able to capture those hues before they dropped and now my imagination can fill in the gaps to recreate that joyful feeling for you. I hope you are transported with me to the catharsis of being surrounded by mother nature and this mountain majesty!
 
To see a video of this one, follow https://www.facebook.com/reel/736555692796606.

 

 

To see more of Niki’s contemporary impressionistic landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.

 

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

Autumn Palette Knife Waterfall Painting by Niki Gulley

 

 

 
“Flowing Fall” ©2026 Niki Gulley
12” x 12” textured acrylic painting on canvas

Water pounds its way down the falls: cascading, rushing, charging into the riverbed — flowing over rocks, swiftly moving forward. Untamed, the surge finds its way over, under, around the boulder-strewn river. Tumbling waters drive through, the rhythmic sounds create a soothing harmony below, while autumn colors glow as we peer through the tangle of textured fall foliage

 
If you have any questions about Flowing Fall or my palette knife Aspen tree paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.
 
To see more of Niki Gulley’s contemporary landscape paintings, visit NikiGulley.com.
 

 

 

 

Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley Paints the Italian Riviera

 

Corniglia ©2025 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 9″ x 12″ Textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
My husband  and I are so excited to be leading an Art Trek (i.e. a plein air painting and photography workshop) to Cinque Terre, Italy next year. This string of 5 centuries-old seaside villages line the Italian Riviera coastline, dotted by colorful houses and vineyards that cling to steep cliffs. The harbors are filled with fishing boats and restaurants that serve the freshest seafood specialties along with delicious pesto pasta. An awe-inspiring hiking trail links the villages and offers sweeping sea vistas.  So, today I set up along that trail with my easel to capture this beautiful view the picturesque hill town, Corniglia, perched high about the cove.
 
Voluminous clouds danced by as peaceful waters lapped along the shore. Sprinkle in some vibrant wildflowers and this made for a perfect, uplifting, serene afternoon! May you enjoy the escape with me!
 
***
 

For more details on my other 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’d like to join us on one of our fun-filled upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org 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 Cinque Terre with Artist Niki Gulley

Vernazza ©2026 Niki Gulley
9″ x 12″ Textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
After my husband, Scott Williams, and I completed our research for our Art Trek we’ll be leading next year to Cinque Terre, Italy, we had a little extra time to paint and photograph. So, today I set up my easel near the beautiful Vernazza harbor to capture the soft morning light. Listening to the ocean waves lapping on the shore was so cathartic and I love the colorful village across the way. If only we painted our houses that vibrantly in the U.S.! I hope you, too, are transported to this peaceful, uplifting setting.
 
***
 

For more details on my other 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’d like to join us on one of our fun-filled upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 
If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org 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 and Photographing Castles with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

   

 

SOLD • “Lofty Perch” • 12″ x 16″ textured acrylic painting on canvas ©2026 Niki Gulley
 
Since I hand’t had my fill of castles yet, I painted yet another majestic fortress in Tuscany. Starting in the afternoon and continuing until it was almost too dark to see any longer, I captured the scene on canvas while Scott photographed the view as the sun was setting. I love the long winding cypress road inviting you to visit. Such a magical evening!

 

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

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

To purchase “Lofty Perch,” go to https://www.nikigulley.com/lofty-perch/.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had a couple of spots open up for our trip this September. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Spaces fill up quickly! 

 

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org 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.

 

 

Tuscany Gorgeous Sunflower Field Painting by Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley

 

  

“Golden Undulation,” Tuscany ©2026 Niki Gulley

10″ x 20″ Textured Acrylic Painting on Canvas Panel

My husband and I stumbled upon this quintessential Tuscan farmhouse while out for a scenic drive this spring. Perched alone on top of this hill, we loved how the incredibly long cypress lined driveway was silhouetted by the sky. The soft light caused the hills to glow the most intense golden chartreuse, and I felt compelled to capture the beautiful scene. Unfortunately that meant I had to set up my easel alongside a rather busy road. Undeterred by the constant parade of racing traffic and horn honking semi trucks, I quickly got to work in order to paint these gorgeous clouds and light before they were gone.

 

“Golden Undulation” is available through The Good Art Company Gallery. Visit https://www.goodartcompany.com/product-page/abstract-impression-original-art-10×20-landscape-golden-undulation.
 

 

***
 
Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had a couple of spots open up for our trip next September. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Spaces fill up quickly! 
 

 

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org 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.

 

 
***
 

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

 
Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my impressionistic palette knife paintings.
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her contemporary Italy and European paintings.

Siena Tower Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

“Siena Tower” ©2026 Niki Gulley
12″ x 9″ textured oil painting on panel

 

I set up in one of the quiet cobble streets radiating out from the campo of the Medieval hill town of Siena to capture the textures of their ancient walls and this unique old clock tower. Back in my studio, I added final details and textured paint to pull the scene together and recreate the beauty and history we experienced while in this energetic city.

If you’re interested in purchasing this painting, just follow this link nikigulley.com/siena-tower/.
 
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her plein air paintings from Italy.
 

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

 
 
 
***
 
Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2027. Please let us know if you would like to join us!

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visiting Siena Italy with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams on their Tuscany Foodie Trek

 


 

“Duomo,” Siena ©2026 Niki Gulley 
5″ x 7″ oil painting on panel
 
Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 2:  Siena, Italy
 
During the Foodie Trek that my husband and I led in Tuscany, we headed to the Medieval hill town of Siena, with its incredible church, great people-watching plaza, and interesting alleyways radiating out from the Campo with something new to discover around every turn. 
 
While most of our group toured inside the Duomo, I chose to set up my easel and capture it’s impressive facade. Beautiful pink, green, white and black marble are stacked in such intricate patterns, it’s impossible to capture on a 5″ x 7″ canvas but I was able to at least suggest some of those colors and its scale, while showing the energy around it with people bustling in every direction.
 
 
That evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner with  pasta doing the backstroke in truffles and pecorino cream while sharing our experiences. What a fantastic day!
 
 
 

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/
 
 
***
 
Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2027. Please let us know if you would like to join us!
If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Palette Knife Painting of the Piazza in Siena, Italy by Niki Gulley

 

“Piazza” Siena, Italy ©2026 Niki Gulley
7″ x 5″ textured oil painting on panel

 

One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Siena, is to just sit in the Piazza and paint from different vantage points. Studying the architecture and experiencing the buzzing energy as residents co-mingle with tourists in the square is so fun to witness!

 

E-mail Niki Gulley.
 

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

 
•••
Tuscany is always our most popular Foodie Trek as the food, wine, people, scenery and history are unparalleled. And, you’re in luck if you’ve always wanted to go! We’ve had two spots open up for our trip this fall and there are a couple of spots still open for 2027. Please let us know if you would like to join us!
 
 
If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org 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.