“Visions of Azaleas” ©2016 Niki Gulley
24″ x 12″ textured oil painting on wrap around canvas

Painted on location, I set up my easel in front of these prolific azalea bushes along Turtle Creek near my home. The vibrant pinks and fuchsia were so full of life set against the cool green leaves, that I wanted to capture not only that vivid spring color but also the elegant sycamore tree in the distance with its speckled white bark.  Contrasting the height of the vertical tree against the horizontal blooms, I chose this vertical panoramic canvas, and repeating shapes throughout creates a harmony to the overall scene. Painted with palette knife and lots of texture, I hope you can feel the beauty and energy of a perfect spring day.