Inspired by our trip to Provence last summer, I was filled with joy by these massive fields of sunflowers blooming. Wanting to paint a tall vertical and capture enough sky to show the fluffy white clouds drifting by on this beautiful summer day, I included the tree branch on the left so that it would lead your eye down to the sunflowers and fill the negative space such as done in Asian art, which I’ve always admired. Loaded with unexpected happy colors, diagonal strokes creating energy and movement, and thick paint causing extreme dimension, this painting shows the beauty and power of nature to uplift your spirits, and cast sunshine on life.

Next summer we will be leading an Art Trek to the French Riviera and Provence in June, so if you’ve always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing during lavender and sunflower season in France, and following in the footsteps of Monet, Van Gogh and Cezanne, please join us for this amazing trip! For more details, visit nikigulley.com/artreks.