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🎄 Celebrate Yule with Art: December Open House & Holiday Gift Sale
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.

Hope Blakely
Nov 30, 20252 min read


Guardian of the Green: A Watchful Friend in the Forest
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.

Hope Blakely
Nov 11, 20252 min read


November Open House at the Blakely Art Collection: A Holiday Season Showcase
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.

Hope Blakely
Oct 28, 20252 min read


Winter Creek: A Marion Dutton Original You Can See at Our Open House
Marion Dutton’s art is as inspiring as she is. At our upcoming Open House, you’ll be able to see her original Winter Creek — a 2023 acrylic landscape that captures the calm beauty of a snowy stream. Marion’s warmth and creativity shine through not only her paintings but also her teaching with MazArt Academy
. Explore Winter Creek and other originals like Golden Meadow, Gentle Eyes, and Golden Winter Whispers in person.

Hope Blakely
Oct 14, 20252 min read


Discover the Timeless Beauty of Fine Realism Art
✨ Fine realism art captures more than detail — it captures emotion. Blending the precision of realism with the warmth of impressionism, these works invite viewers to step closer and connect with every brushstroke. Discover why collectors treasure these timeless pieces and why they remain a lasting investment in beauty.

Hope Blakely
Sep 27, 20254 min read


🎨 Preview the Art You’ll See at the Gallery Open House
Get a sneak peek at a few of the paintings you’ll see during the Blakely Art Collection Open House on Sept 18. Featured works include The Lazy Watcher, Golden Meadow by Marion Dutton, and The Enchanted Thaw. Join us at Hope’s Home Studio in Arvada to experience more than 100 original paintings, meet the artist, and enjoy a welcoming evening of art and community.

Hope Blakely
Sep 16, 20252 min read


🌌 Solstice Memory: A Painting of Change, Light, and Time
Solstice Memory is an 18x24 oil painting inspired by Bill Alexander’s techniques yet transformed into something deeply personal. With glowing skies, bold brushwork, and symbolic tones, this 2025 original captures the balance of change, light, and time. Available for $395, it’s a one-of-a-kind artwork that speaks to collectors and dreamers alike

Hope Blakely
Sep 13, 20252 min read


Meet Sean Mullins: Painter, Craftsman, and a Cheerful Force in the Art World
Sean Mullins is a Bob Ross instructor and Florida painter known for peaceful swamp and seascape scenes. He’s also the craftsman behind Rustic Oak Sawmill, where he creates handmade frames and woodwork. We’re excited to feature his painting Sunset on St. Johns River — available now.

Hope Blakely
Sep 3, 20252 min read


You’re Invited: Open House at Hope’s Home Studio 🎨
Join us at Hope’s Home Studio on September 18th, 12–8 p.m. for a special gallery open house. Explore over 100 original paintings, meet artist Hope Blakely, and enjoy light snacks in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Many works will be available for purchase, with easy payment options. Whether you’re a collector, art enthusiast, or curious neighbor, this is your chance to see and experience fine art up close in Arvada.

Hope Blakely
Aug 30, 20252 min read


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 27, 20253 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 13, 20253 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 10, 20251 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 2, 20253 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 30, 20252 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 23, 20252 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 22, 20252 min read
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