Celebrate the season at the Blakely Art Collection’s November 22 Open House in Arvada! Enjoy original art, light refreshments, and meet Hope Blakely in her studio. Holiday-themed ornaments, cards, and gifts priced at $25 or less will be available—perfect for collectors and art lovers alike.

Intensity in art is more than passion — it’s the saturation of color, the warmth or coolness of a scene, and the drama of light and dark. Learn the difference between intensity and value, why correct terminology matters, and how artists use intensity to make paintings whisper or blaze with energy. Featuring works from the Blakely Art Collection, this post reveals the hidden power behind every brushstroke.

The Blakely Art Collection celebrates fine realism—art that balances breathtaking detail with genuine emotion. From still lifes that shine with life, to landscapes that draw you into their atmosphere, to portraits that capture personality as well as likeness, each piece tells a story. Many even weave in impressionist touches, offering collectors timeless art that feels both familiar and fresh.

Dana Jester is more than an artist—he’s a living link to Bob Ross and a master of landscapes, portraits, and wildlife. From his Old Town Arvada gallery to his decades of teaching, Dana’s work carries both skill and soul. My own piece, Yellow Mountain, is a treasured reminder of the friendships and workshops that grew from knowing him. Collectors will find in his art not just beauty, but history and heart.