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.

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.

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.

Join us for the Blakely Art Collection Open House on Saturday, October 25th, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. in Arvada, Colorado! Explore original paintings including Guardian of the Green, The Garden’s Offering, and Golden Passage. Meet the artist, enjoy light refreshments, and browse one-of-a-kind works in a relaxed setting. Free parking is available. Don’t miss this chance to spend a fall day surrounded by inspiring art.

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

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.