"Pedestal to the Sky" from Athens Greece by Niki Gulley

Day 1, Greece Art Trek:  The Acropolis, Athens
9" x 12" oil painting by Niki Gulley

On the first full day of our plein air painting and photography workshop in Greece, we visited the Acropolis in Athens along with several other ancient sites. It was truly awe inspiring to see a part of history from the fifth century BC and to imagine what life must have been like as democracy was beginning. In the afternoon, the painters set up their easels on top of the beautiful balcony at our hotel to paint this beautiful view of the Parthenon while the photographers continued touring the city. In this oil painting, I wanted to capture a sense of scale with the Acropolis, and suggest how it rises above the city on this massive mound, towering majestically over the city, kissed by the clouds above.

Breakfast from the terrace of our hotel. What a view of the Acropolis!

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

Iceland - Aug. 2020

Foodie Trek - Tuscany - Oct. 2020

Paris - June 2021

Portugal - Aug./Sept. 2021

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

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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.

Day 1, Greece Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1, Greece Art Trek:  The Acropolis, Athens
9" x 12" oil painting by Niki Gulley

On the first full day of our plein air painting and photography workshop in Greece, we visited the Acropolis in Athens along with several other ancient sites. It was truly awe inspiring to see a part of history from the fifth century BC and to imagine what life must have been like as democracy was beginning. In the afternoon, the painters set up their easels on top of the beautiful balcony at our hotel to paint this beautiful view of the Parthenon while the photographers continued touring the city. In this oil painting, I wanted to capture a sense of scale with the Acropolis, and suggest how it rises above the city on this massive mound, towering majestically over the city, kissed by the clouds above.

Breakfast from the terrace of our hotel. What a view of the Acropolis!

Next summer we will be leading an Art Trek to Spain and the following year we will be headed to Tuscany, England and Ireland, so if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trip! Details will be coming soon on nikigulley.com/artreks.

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

Or, if you are in the Madison, WI area this weekend, I will be exhibiting at Art Fair on the Square.

Art Fair on the Square 
Saturday, July 11 • 9am – 6pm
Sunday, July 12 • 10am – 5pm
Madison, WI • Capital Square
mmoca.org/art-fair

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Day 4, Venice Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Venice Art Trek, Day 4, Doge's Palace and Painting the back canals

12" x 9" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

On our fourth day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop, we visited the Doge's Palace, in all of its glory and were awed by its impressive art collection by Italian masters. Taking the "Secret Tour" we learned about parts of the Palace that you can't normally see, including the prisons, the torture room and stories of Casanova.

That afternoon we chose another back canal to paint while the photographers covered off the beaten path parts of the island. I liked the way the sunlight reflected across the water's surface, and I really wanted to capture a gondola in the distance, but since they move so quickly that was no easy task! Luckily there was a steady stream of gondolas passing by our location late in the day. I found myself painting as quickly as I could while one came into my composition, and if I didn't capture it in time, fortunately another vessel would come into view shortly afterwards, and I was pleased with the results.

A delicious home-made Italian meal to end the day with new friends!

If you'd like to join us on one of our upcoming Art Treks, please let me know. For more details, E-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Upcoming Art Treks

Paris, France – June 19-27, 2014

 Provence, France – June 26 – July 4, 2014 - wait list only

Tuscany, Italy – Sept. 5-13, 2014

Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy – Sept. 12-21, 2014

Athens and Santorini, Greece – May 2015

French Riviera - June 2015

Provence, France - June 2015

Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshops

Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

These workshops are filling up quickly, so we encourage you to register soon!

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www.NikiGulley.com

Greece Art Trek with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley and European Photographer Scott Williams

Day 6 - Greece Art Trek:  Fira and Wineries

12" x 9" oil painting by Niki Gulley

On the sixth day of our Greece Art Trek, the sky darkened and the winds picked up so we decided to paint in a more sheltered spot. So setting up on our balcony, we chose to paint a vignette of the white-washed stucco and simple architectural lines and curves. At a couple of points, we even got some soft sunlight to give our subject subtle highlights and shadows, which we painted quickly as the light was quite fleeting. 

That afternoon, we weren't about to let the drizzle spoil our day so we made the most of the the situation and went wine tasting! One of the local wineries overlooked the caldera, so we not only sampled some delicious Greek wines and munchies but also with the rain letting up, took in another amazing view.

Wine tasting on Santorini.

Next summer we will be leading an Art Trek to Paris and Provence, France 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! Details will be coming soon on nikigulley.com/artreks.

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com to see more of my contemporary impressionistic paintings.

E-mail - Niki Gulley

Day 1, Greece Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1, Greece Art Trek:  The Acropolis, Athens
9" x 12" oil painting by Niki Gulley

On day one and two of our plein air painting and photography workshop in Greece, we landed in Athens and visited the Acropolis along with several other ancient sites. It was truly awe inspiring to see a part of history from the fifth century BC and to imagine what life must have been like as democracy was beginning. In the afternoon, us painters set up our easels on top of the beautiful balcony view from our hotel to paint the Parthenon while the photographers continued touring the city. In this oil painting, I wanted to capture a sense of scale with the Acropolis, and suggest how it rises above the city on this massive mound, towering majestically over the city, kissed by the clouds above.

Next summer we will be leading an Art Trek to Paris and Provence, France 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! Details will be coming soon on nikigulley.com/artreks.

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

E-mail - Niki Gulley

Plein Air Painting in Venice with Niki Gulley

"Romantic Passage," Venice ©2013 Niki Gulley

12" x 9" • textured oil painting

We just got back from teaching our latest Painting and Photography Art Trek in Venice during Carnivalé and had the most amazing time! The weather was ideal our first day there, and we found our way to this quiet landing to paint a typical Venetian canal. I liked the way the sunlight reflected across the water's surface, and I really wanted to capture a gondola in that lit space, but since they move so quickly that was no easy task! Luckily around 11am, there was a steady stream of gondolas passing by our location. I found myself painting as quickly as I could while one came into my composition, and if I didn't capture it in time, fortunately another vessel would come into view shortly afterwards, and I was really pleased with the results.

If you'd like to join us on one of our upcoming Art Treks, please let me know. The final registration deadline of March 1st for our Tuscany and Cinque Terre/Lake Como, Italy workshops is quickly approaching!

Or, closer to home I'll be leading a Plein Air Painting Workshop sponsored through the Good Art Company gallery in Fredericksburg, TX, April 5-7, during Texas wildflower season.

ArtTreks
Tuscany, Italy - Sept. 6-14
Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy - Sept. 13-22
Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop
Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Final Registration Deadline: March 1st
For more details, E-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Plein Air Painting in the Texas Hill Country

April 5-7, 2013

http://goodartcompany.com/gacart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=39_47&products_id=215

These workshops are filling up quickly, so we encourage you to register soon!

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www.NikiGulley.com

Tuscany Art Trek - Registration deadline this Saturday

“Under the Tuscan Sun” ©2013 Niki Gulley

Sold • pastel 24” x 36”

“Under the Tuscan Sun,” was inspired from one of the many gorgeous vistas near the villa our group stays in while my husband and professional photographer, Scott Williams, and I are teaching our Tuscany Workshop. Between the vibrant sunset, the gently rolling hills, and this typical stone farm house, I just had to paint this ideal location.

Having fallen in love with Tuscany, we now can't wait to share the Italian experience with other painters, photographers and anyone interested in traveling, so we are leading our 5th Tuscany Art Trek this September.  If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Italy, join me and Scott Williams for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop to Tuscany from Sept. 6th - Sept. 14th.

Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.

ArtTreks – Tuscany, Italy

Plein Air Painting / Photography Workshop

Sept. 6-14, 2013

Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Early Registration Deadline for a $500 Savings: Jan. 11

Final Registration Deadline: March 1

Add on a second Art Trek back to back with the Tuscany trip, and join us in Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy for a 2 week Italian adventure!

For more details, E-mail Niki Gulley or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

This workshop is filling up quickly, so we encourage you to register soon!

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NikiGulley.com

Greece Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams - Deadline Saturday

"Santorini Sunset" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 24" pastel

My husband and I honeymooned on the Greek island of Santorini and fell in love with it. From the beautiful views of the Caldera, to the white-washed architecture with its signature blue domes, to the laid back attitude and the warmth of the people, we couldn't wait to return. Here is a view at the far end of the island in the town of Oia. I wanted to capture the "skyline," ocean view and the gorgeous sunset that night.

Becoming enchanted with the island ourselves, we now can't wait to share the Greek experience with other painters and photographers, so we are leading our May workshop to Athens and Santorini, Greece.  If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Greece, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Athens and Santorini on May 10-18.

Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop

Athens and Santorini, Greece

May 10-18, 2013

Taught by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Final Registration Deadline: Dec. 15

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

This workshop is already over half full, so we encourage you to register soon!

NikiGulley.com

Deadline this week for Venice Art Trek

“Dreamlike Journey,” Venice, Italy ©2012 Niki Gulley

12” x 9” pastel

I created this pastel during a workshop my husband and I taught in Venice. We love the city, and there is so much inspiration there between the art, architecture, canals and magical light that it's really hard to narrow down what to paint! On this day, we decided to stick with a classic view of the canals. I like the way light peeks through the narrow passageway and leads your eye from building to building, and the gondola that happened into the scene created the perfect finishing detail.

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 2-9. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop

Carnivalé - Venice, Italy

Feb. 2-9, 2013

Taught by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Final Registration deadline: Nov. 18

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

NikiGulley.com

Greece Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

“Doorway to Possibilities,” Santorini, Greece • by Niki Gulley

SOLD • 20” x 10” pastel

The view from our hotel that we’ll be staying at in May for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop is amazing! In this pastel, I wanted to capture not only the gorgeous Aegean below and the white-washed architecture with brilliant blue accents, but also I wanted to show off the unique Greek doorways that frame the beautiful landscape below.

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Greece, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Athens and Santorini on May 10-18. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.

Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshop

Athens & Santorini, Greece

May 10-18, 2013

Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams

Early Registration for a $500 savings: Nov. 10

Final Registration deadline: Dec. 15

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

This workshop is already over half full, so we encourage you to register soon!

NikiGulley.com