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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...