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.

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.