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The Amazing Things I Learned, When I Went Beyond Bob Ross
Artist Hope Blakely reflects on her journey from learning Bob Ross’s approachable painting techniques to mastering traditional oil methods. With guidance from fellow artists and years of workshops, she evolved from landscapes to glazing, portraits, and still lifes. This heartfelt post highlights how foundational lessons gave way to bold personal growth—and what “going beyond Bob” truly means.

Hope Blakely
Aug 273 min read


🕯️ The Unlit Lighthouse and the Hidden Skull: The Story Behind When the Beacon Fails
When the Beacon Fails began with a simple request from a student: “Can we paint a ship?” From that seed of inspiration grew a haunting oil painting that took more than six months to complete. What started as a Bob Ross-style composition evolved into a rich, cinematic scene featuring a tall clipper ship, a dark and silent lighthouse, and an accidental—but unmistakable—skull hidden in the clouds.
Painted by Colorado artist Hope Blakely, this 24x48-inch piece explores what happ
hopegrabowski
Aug 202 min read


Kevin Hill: Calm Landscapes, Bold Brushstrokes, and the Joy of Painting Today
Kevin Hill creates peaceful landscapes with bold brushwork and calm instruction. From painting at a young age to building a family-run art business, his journey is inspiring. We’re proud to feature an original work available now — plus a rare piece in our Special Collection. Discover the artist behind the brush and see why Kevin continues to inspire collectors and students alike.

Hope Blakely
Aug 133 min read


Tuscan Lavender
ainted from a Kevin Hill workshop reference, Tuscan Lavender brings a quiet countryside to life with soft purples, warm light, and a sense of gentle age. Hope Blakely added her own voice to the scene by shifting the buildings, softening the palette, and letting the wall crumble just a bit — creating a piece that feels personal and timeless. Original oil on a 12x16 hard panel.

Hope Blakely
Aug 101 min read


The True Cost of Real Art (and Why You’ll Never Regret It)
Ever wonder why original art costs more than something from a store shelf? Here’s the real story — what you’re actually paying for, why it matters, and how buying original art is less about status and more about connection. It’s not a $6 million banana — it’s something real.
hopegrabowski
Aug 62 min read


Discover Masterpieces in Fine Realism Art
Think realism is boring? Think again. Fine realism art combines stunning detail with emotional storytelling to create pieces that look as real as life itself. From lifelike portraits to vivid still lifes, these paintings add timeless charm to any fine art collection. This post explores how realism and impressionism blend to create unforgettable masterpieces—and how to care for them so they last a lifetime.
hopegrabowski
Aug 23 min read


Brushstrokes & Brilliance: The Art of Marion Dutton
Meet Marion Dutton — master painter, founder of MazArt Academy, and Bob Ross-certified instructor. She’s not just teaching the world to paint; she’s still creating stunning originals full of light, depth, and story. In this post, I share why I admire her, showcase a few of her available paintings, and invite you to explore the work of an artist who’s as inspiring as she is skilled.

Hope Blakely
Jul 302 min read


Art: It’s NOT Amazon. And That’s a Good Thing.
We’ve gotten used to fast and disposable — but art isn’t Amazon, and that’s a beautiful thing. When you buy original artwork, you’re supporting a real person, not a factory. Discover why art is more than just decor — it’s connection, emotion, and story. One-of-a-kind, not one-click.
hopegrabowski
Jul 232 min read


Painting Jason Momoa in Oils – A Look Behind the Canvas
Ever since I picked up a brush, I’ve looked for subjects that are bold, magnetic, and full of energy — and few people embody that like...
hopegrabowski
Jul 222 min read
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