Andalusia, Spain Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 7 • Sevilla, Spain: Andalusia Art Trek

9" x 12" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Led by Niki aGulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Spain Art Trek, we visited Plaza de España, a Moorish paradisiacal gathering place with a half mile of tiled fountains, pavilions, ponds and lush plantings. Some of my painters captured the river and bridges flowing through the center of the park, while others focused more on the unusual architectural elements. After shooting the area, the photographers and tourists continued on to visit more of the city, and we met up that evening to catch a Flamenco concert. Filled with haunting refrains from the Spanish guitar while dancers entertained with rapid, energetic footwork, sweeping movements and mesmerizing gestures, we were so wrapped up in the performance, an hour felt like minutes. For our final night, we treated ourselves to dining outside on a delicious meal with new friends and wonderful memories.

Breakfast from our hotel rooftop in Sevilla

Next summer we will be leading three different Art Treks 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 trips! See details at ArtTreks.org.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Andalusia, Spain Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6 • Sevilla, Spain: Andalusia Art Trek

Mini orange tree, Sevilla • 12" x 9" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On our first full day in Sevilla, we visited the exotic Alcazar Palace and Gardens in the morning, stopping for lunch on the way back to the hotel, and then we split up in the afternoon. The rooftop deck from our hotel had such incredible 360 degree views of the city with its interesting mix of modern and medieval architecture, from Moorish minarets and gothic cathedrals to newer residences, that we decided to paint right there. The photographers continued to explore the city while some tourists shopped and others visited the Cathedral, which is the third largest Gothic church in the world. That night we dined on an incredible authentic Andalusian dinner washed down with some tasty local wines - delicious!

Part of our Art Trek group in front of Sevilla's town square • Photo by budding photographer and Art Trek participant Ken Strange

Next summer we will be leading three different Art Treks 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 trips! See details at ArtTreks.org.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Painting, Photographing, and Touring Sevilla, Spain with Scott Williams and Niki Gulley

Sevilla, Spain: Andalusia Art Trek

Mini orange tree, Sevilla • 12" x 9" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

After enjoying Granada, Spain, our Art Trek group continued onto the Moorish city of Sevilla. Full of energy and history, we savored all that the Andalusian capital has to offer, starting with a horse-drawn carriage  ride around the old city, then onto a fabulous dinner, and ending with photographing and viewing the romantic cathedral and city at night.

Carriage rides around Sevilla

Next summer we will be leading three different Art Treks 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 trips! See details at ArtTreks.org.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Spain Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 3 - Granada, Spain: Andalusia Art Trek

7" x 5" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

After visiting the Alhambra grounds during the day, we went for an early dinner of Spanish tapas that evening so that we could experience sunset over the Alhambra palace. What a beautiful sight and a perfect ending to the day!

Sunset over the Alhambra Palace

Next summer we will be leading three different Art Treks 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 trips! See details at ArtTreks.org.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Visiting the Alhambra Palace with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 3 - Granada, Spain: Andalusia Art Trek

12" x 9" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the third day of our Spain Art Trek, we visited the Alhambra palace, one of the world’s true architectural marvels and the seat of power from Moorish to Christian rule, dating back to the 14th century. This stunning fortress is the culmination of Moorish design and has some of the best maintained late-Medieval gardens. The Generalife grounds were so gorgeous, bursting with cascading roses and dramatically lit pathways that we set up our easels there to paint while the photographers and tourists toured more of the grounds. Later that day, we met for lunch and continued our tour of the Alcazar.

Part of our Art Trek group in front of the Alhambra Palace.

Next summer we will be leading three different Art Treks 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 trips! See details at ArtTreks.org.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Painting and Photographing Don Quixote's Windmills with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2 - La Mancha, Spain: Andalusia Art Trek

9" x 12" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

After a day and half in Toledo, we headed to La Mancha, following in Don Quixote's footsteps. Larger than life and perched on this steep cliff overlooking the surrounding farmland, everyone had a great time trying to capture the giants on canvas or film. After finishing, we drove onto our next destination, Granada, and checked into our hotel. That evening we dined on an 18 course authentic Andalusian dinner while our host taught us all about Spanish foods, customs, wines and sherries. Another fun-filled day and a great way to end the evening!

Painting windmills in La Mancha

Next summer we will be leading three different Art Treks 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 trips! See details at ArtTreks.org.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Andalusia Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams: Toledo

Day 1, Afternoon - Toledo, Spain: Andalusia Art Trek

12" x 9" oil painting by Niki Gulley

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

After lunch on the first day of our Spain Art Trek, we gave everyone free time to explore the city. Some visited the Cathedral, some toured the el Greco art museum, others shopped and some painted. 

I set up my easel in this peaceful garden shaded by these massive trees and painted the colorful architecture in the distance and the beautiful dappled light raking across the scene. That evening we dined on a gourmet tapas meal of scallops wrapped in bacon with lobster sauce, duck and strawberry salad, beef tenderloin with grilled asparagus, smoked octopus and assorted desserts. Delicious and a perfect ending to a fun-filled day!

Dinner in Toledo

Next summer we will be leading three different Art Treks 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 trips! See details at ArtTreks.org.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Andalusia, Spain Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1 - Toledo, Spain: Andalusia Art Trek

9" x 12" oil painting by Niki Gulley

On the first full day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in southern Spain, the painters set up their easels at this gorgeous overlook of the river below and the San Martin bridge built in the 14th century. Meanwhile the photographers and tourists visited the major sites in the city from Medieval synagogues, churches and mosques to wandering the labyrinth of streets and shops. Meeting up for lunch, we dined al fresco on paella, fresh salads and stews, while we swapped experiences from our morning.

Painting at the San Martin bridge overlook

Next summer we will be leading three different Art Treks 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 trips! See details at ArtTreks.org.

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

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Just Sold - French Riviera Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

Villefranche and Monte Carlo - French Riviera Art Trek

SOLD • 12" x 9" oil by Niki Gulley

Just Sold! On our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we all went in different directions on the third day. I took the painters to this beautiful scenic overlook while Scott drove the photographers along the corniches in search of the best vantages and photographs, while others relaxed at the pool at the hotel.

That afternoon, we explored the bustling old city of Monaco and later that evening tried our hand at the casinos. One person in our group even won $336 on the slot machines! That evening we dined al fresco on a delicious three course meal, enjoying the company of new friends.

A delicious dinner in Monaco.

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! For more details, visit  art treks.org.

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.

Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams, Day 2

Day 3, Provence Art Trek: Les Baux / Chateauneuf

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop 
with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
7" x 5" textured oil painting

On the second day of our Provence Art Trek, we visited the picturesque town of Les Baux, perched atop its rocky outcropping with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside below. Some folks visited the castle, galleries and shops while the painters set up in this quiet plaza capturing the unique stone residences, medieval cathedral or picturesque courtyard.

In the afternoon we went to one of the most renowned wine towns in the world and sampled some amazing Chateaunef du Pape wines.

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.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Visiting Arles with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams, Provence Art Trek 2015

Day 1, Afternoon Location: Arles 

Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

9" x 12" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

In the afternoon, we visited the ancient Roman city of Arles, marveling at its in tact amphitheater from 90 AD, triumphal arch, and ancient theater, while retracing the footsteps of Van Gogh and seeing his colorful vision of rather ordinary painting locations. Last stop on our Van Gogh tour, we chose to paint at the asylum where he stayed, creating our own versions of the lovely courtyard garden.

That night, we feasted on mussels, sea bream, various meat dishes and mouth-watering pastries at an award-winning restaurant. Bon Appetit!

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.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Provence Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1, Provence Art Trek

12" x 9" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

On the first night of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in southern France, we arrived at our B and B and went into town that evening for a wine tasting and amazing dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant. The food was out of this world, the weather was perfect for dining outside, and our new group was great company!

The next morning, our painters stayed at our b and b and painted right there since the grounds were so beautiful.The light raking across the balcony and shutters was so dramatic, and I loved how the gnarly trees framed the composition to make a window within a window. Meanwhile, the photographers visited a nearby 11th century Abbey and took some incredible photographs. We met up later that day and headed to the nearby town of Arles for lunch.

Wine tasting in Provence.

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.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Last Day - French Riviera Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 6, Villefranche - French Riviera Art Trek

SOLD • 12" x 9" textured oil painting by Niki Gulley

On the last day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera, we all enjoyed a leisurely morning. The painters went down to the harbor and set out to capture the turquoise Mediterranean one last time, while the photographers shot around town and others visited the sights in Villefranche. Dining for lunch one last time along the waterfront, we gave everyone the afternoon to swim, shop or relax. 

We gathered later that day to view a slide show of the photography students' work and to show the paintings we created for the week. It's always so much fun to see what everyone captured during the trip, with each student's perspective so unique! That night we dined on a delicious dinner, sad that the trip was ending but glad that we got to enjoy it with new friends.

Dining near the waterfront in Villefranche.

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.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Visiting Nice with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams, French Riviera Art Trek

Day 5, Nice - French Riviera Art Trek

stained glass windows by Marc Chagall

On the next day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we packed in a busy day. Starting out the morning on the far edge of Nice, we visited the archaeological and Matisse museum for anyone who was interested. Next, we dropped everyone off at the Marc Chagall museum, which had an incredible collection of his paintings and a few of his stained glass windows along with a fascinating video.

That afternoon, we went into the old city to tour, shop, walk along the boardwalk and dip our toes in the ocean. Dining on a delicious dinner in town, we headed back to Villefranche at the end of the day.

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.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Day 4, French Riviera Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 4, Renoir's House and St. Paul de Vence - French Riviera Art Trek

7" x 5" textured oil by Niki Gulley

On the fourth morning of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we visited Renoir's house along the coast. Seeing his studio and garden, along with some of his lesser known impressionist paintings was truly a thrill!

Next, we headed north to the Medieval town of St. Paul de Vence, where some of us took a fascinating wine tasting class while others explored and shopped. That afternoon the painters met up and we each chose a different subject. Some chose to paint the rolling hills and valley below, while I was intrigued by this balcony being overrun by Bougainvillea. The magenta color explosion was out of this world, and I just had to capture it!

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.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Day 3, French Riviera Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 3, Villefranche and Monte Carlo - French Riviera Art Trek

12" x 9" oil by Niki Gulley

On the next morning of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we all went in different directions. I took the painters to this beautiful scenic overlook while Scott drove the photographers along the corniches in search of the best vantages and photographs, while others relaxed at the pool at the hotel.

That afternoon, we explored the bustling old city of Monaco and later that evening tried our hand at the casinos. One person in our group even won $336 on the slot machines! That evening we dined al fresco on a delicious three course meal, enjoying the company of new friends.

A delicious dinner in Monaco.

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.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Day 2, French Riviera Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 2, Eze and Villefranche - French Riviera Art Trek

9" x 12" pastel by Niki Gulley

On the second day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we spent the morning exploring the Medieval town of Eze perched on the mountainside high about the Mediterranean. With amazing views below, a massive other-worldly succulent garden, twisty stone passages and fascinating shops, there was something for everyone to see and do. 

Bougainvillea in Eze - Photo by Scott Williams

That afternoon, we headed back to the hotel and while some of our group relaxed, my painters and I set up our easels in front of this beautiful ocean view, framed by tile rooftops and luscious palm and cypress trees. Our treat that evening was a boat cruise along Villefranche and the surrounding harbors. A perfect end to the relaxing day!

Enjoying the boat cruise along Villefranche harbor.

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.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

French Riviera Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 1, Rothschild Estate and Beaulieu - French Riviera Art Trek

9" x 12" pastel by Niki Gulley

On the first day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we spent the morning touring the gorgeous grounds and estate of Beatrice Rothschild. Composed of nine different themed gardens, each one managed to be even more beautiful than the one before with jaw-dropping views of the ocean below.

That afternoon, my painters set up their easels in the picturesque nearby harbor or Beaulieu while the photographers and tourists joined Scott at another impressive villa and for a walking tour along the harbor. The beach was alive with activity and we set out to capture that energy with the colorful umbrellas and clear turquoise water set against the lush vegetation and unique stately homes in the background. A great day!

The gorgeous Rothschild villa and gardens.

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.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.