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Make room for a little painting this November! Join Hope Blakely for desert sunsets, a Veterans Day tribute, happy little trees and holiday projects in Arvada, Sterling and Yuma. Browse the paintings, choose your date and register directly from the post.

From Newton and Goethe to Munsell and Itten, explore the history of color theory alongside my own painting journey—and discover why, when it comes to color, it’s all relative.

What happens when a realism painter takes time to discover Georgia O'Keeffe? Explore her flowers, New Mexico landscapes, surprising skyscrapers and bones, the teachers who influenced her, and the choices that made her art distinctive—through Hope Blakely's eyes.

Claude Monet changed how artists see light, color, and nature. Explore his journey from teenage caricatures to water lilies, the eyesight struggles he faced, and how his wet-on-wet methods differed from those of Bob Ross and Bill Alexander. Then see subtle connections to landscape paintings in the Blakely Art Collection.

Official rules for the Blakely Art Collection Monthly Original Art Giveaway.

A look at the Arvada home and working studio behind Blakely Art Collection, including its creative studio, garden room, deck, and nearby trails.

Was Jan van Eyck really the original wet-on-wet painter? That question led me down a fascinating path through art history—from ancient fresco techniques to the luminous glazing methods of the Old Masters. In this post, we explore what van Eyck actually contributed to oil painting, how his work compares to modern techniques, and why these centuries-old methods still influence artists today.

Painted from a photograph taken along Ireland’s northern coast, Heart Tethered by the Tide reflects the grit of a working harbor and the quiet pull of memory. Worn rope, calm water, and distant land come together in a moment of stillness and reflection.

The Showman is a bold, vertical portrait of a blue-and-gold macaw inspired by a reference photo taken at the Denver Zoo in January 2025. Painted using a glazing technique to build rich, luminous color, this 7 × 21 inch original artwork captures the confident posture and unmistakable personality of the bird. Now fully framed and ready to hang, The Showman proves that presence isn’t about width or size — it’s about attitude, color, and command.

Long before trends and theories dominated the art world, a quiet generation of painters shaped the realism people chose for their homes. This is the story of the artists whose work defined beauty, comfort, and believability — and why their influence still matters today.

People often ask why original art costs what it does — and whether it’s really worth it. From studio conversations to lived experience, this piece explores how value in art isn’t universal, but deeply personal, and why the right painting is always worth the price to the right person.

Smoky Mountain Cascade Pass is an 18×24 oil painting I created during a Kevin Hill class in Clarksville, Tennessee. This blog takes you behind the scenes of the waterfall design, the forest lighting, and the Tennessee inspiration that shaped the piece. It blends the soft atmosphere of the Smoky Mountains with the warm, glowing light I often use in my Colorado landscapes. A peaceful, personal painting that holds two places close to my heart.

Realism didn’t begin with modern painters, television shows, or workshops — it’s part of a much longer conversation. In this reflective look at painting lineage, Hope Blakely explores how the values of light, atmosphere, and honest observation have passed quietly from early master painters, through mid-century teachers like Bill Alexander and Bob Ross, and into the hands of today’s working artists. Realism isn’t behind us — it’s still unfolding.

A gentle tribute to Diane André, Bill Alexander’s first Master Artist and one of wet-on-wet painting’s quiet pioneers. Though Hope never met her, Diane’s recorded lessons, soft teaching style, and intuitive palette continue to influence studios today. Her story blends resilience, artistry, and kindness in every brushstroke.

The wet-on-wet family tree grew far beyond Bill Alexander’s TV studio. From Diane André and Tom Anderson to modern painters like Marion Dutton, Dana Jester, and the students of today, this is the real modern art movement—everyday artists carrying forward a legacy of joy, color, and possibility.

Past event — 2025. Celebrate the season with art at the December Open House on Saturday, December 20th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Enjoy a cozy day of last-minute holiday shopping, hand-painted ornaments, Christmas cards, and original art — many gifts under $25. Stop by to browse, visit, and share in the warmth of Yule as we close out another creative year at the Blakely Art Collection.

When a painting sells for millions, who really gets paid — the artist or the market? Many record-breaking sales, like Marlene Dumas’s Miss January at $16.9 million, earn the artist nothing. This post explores the truth behind galleries, auctions, and buying direct — and why supporting living artists makes every purchase more meaningful.

Visiting an artist open house is more than just looking at art — it’s stepping into the artist’s world. Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, open conversation, and the chance to see creativity up close. Whether you buy or browse, your visit supports the heart of the art community — connection, inspiration, and appreciation for the creative journey.

Painted during the Oklahoma City Painting Palooza with artist Mark Aguilar, Guardian of the Green captures the quiet strength of a small forest friend. This curious squirrel, standing alert among the leaves, reminds us of nature’s hidden beauty and watchful peace. Discover the story behind the brushstrokes and the heart of this one-of-a-kind painting.

Before there was Bob Ross, there was Bill Alexander — the fiery, joyful artist who brought painting to television and taught the world to “fire in.” Born in Prussia in 1915, Alexander survived hardship, built a life through art, and inspired a movement that continues today. His Magic White, booming laughter, and belief that anyone can paint still echo through every mountain and tree created in the wet-on-wet style he pioneered.